An emotional Kim Hellberg fought back tears as he accused Southampton of wrecking his dream of being a Premier League manager and ruining the beauty of the English game.
Responding to questions about the ‘Spygate’ charges that are yet to be resolved after watching his team heartbreakingly lose the play-off semi-final second leg after Shea Charles scored a 116th minute winner for Southampton, Hellberg described the alleged actions from Tonda Eckert’s staff as “disgraceful”.
“I worked as a coach for 15 years trying to get to the Premier League,” the Middlesbrough manager said.
Kim Hellberg looks dejected after Middlesbrough’s defeat – Getty Images
“That’s my dream. When I took the Middlesbrough job, I know that there are clubs with bigger resources, teams that have more money and can spend more money. There are teams that have bigger squads than us.
“What you have as a coach is the tactical management of the game, where we can beat the opponent. That’s what I think everyone loves with the game. I think that’s why I look at England and think this is the home of football, this is where I want to be, this is what I dream about.
“What I could control was the tackle aspect of the game and when you have done that, for a week or two weeks put every second away from your family to watch Southampton, every game you can, to try to gain that advantage.
“If we hadn’t have caught that man, who they sent up five hours to drive, you would sit there and say, well done in the tactical aspect maybe of the game, and I would go home and feel like I have failed in that aspect.
“When that is taken away from you in that way, when someone decides no, we’re not going to watch every game, we’ll send someone instead and film the session, and see everything, and hope they don’t get caught.
“I guess that was why he had switching clothes and all those things that I have seen on the television, which I can say because I know what happened. It breaks my heart in terms of all those things I believed in. I think that is the thing.”
Hellberg made a point of repeatedly congratulating Southampton’s players and the supporters for the atmosphere they created, but made no mention of their coaching staff.
Hellberg consoles Matt Targett at the final whistle – PA
Telegraph Sport revealed before the match that Middlesbrough has hired leading sports lawyer Nick De Marco as its “spygate” case is expedited to a potential verdict before the Championship play-off final on May 23.
Asked if he believed Eckert had knowledge of the alleged incident, he said: “I cannot answer. No comment,” adding, “I have nothing to say to him.”
For his part, Eckert refused to be drawn and promptly left the post-match press conference along with the club’s media representative when asked if he was a cheat.
“All I can say is that I will say something, but it is not the moment now. The club has issued a statement and it’s an ongoing investigation.
“I don’t like to repeat myself but when the investigation is closed I will say something. We do understand the seriousness of the matter.”
Tensions around the bewildering row had threatened to boil over as the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
The main flashpoint came in the first half, when Luke Ayling scythed down Leo Scienza and then clashed with Saints captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis. That sparked an on-field melee and trouble between the two benches with fourth official Tom Nield having to intervene and separate the two managers,
On the pitch, Hellberg’s team got off to a dream start when they took a fifth minute lead as Riley McGree swept home Callum Brittain’s low cross to leave St Mary’s stunned.
But Southampton rallied and the home stands erupted on the stroke of half time by equalising from a set-piece.
James Bree whipped the cross to the far post where Ryan Manning’s effort was pushed away by Sol Brynn, only for Ross Stewart to tower his header over the line from the rebound.
That’s how it was staying until the 116th minute when Charles’ cross-cum-shot evaded everyone in and snuck in off the far post to break Boro hearts.
11:10pm
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg talking to Sky Sports
“I am unbelievably proud of the players, how they played and their fight through two games. I am proud of a lot of things. We played very well in the first half, unbelievably good, and had chances to score a second. We played a very good team, who have a top-quality and massive squad. How we played those two legs is very impressive and to dominate here in the first half is impressive. There were not many chances in extra time but we were not sharp enough in transition. Football is a sport of very small margins and over long periods in this game we were very good. We have to go again.
“I have not found anything out about that [whether Southampton will be punished by being thrown out of the play-offs]. We had a plan if we won the game but we did not, which is disappointing. Congratulations to the players and fans of Southampton for the win. I am not going to make any suggestions on that [whether Southampton should be chucked out] and we will see what happens.”
10:59pm
The emotion of defeat
A very emotional Dael Fry – Warren Little/Getty Images
10:56pm
Battling it out in the final
Southampton and Hull will fight it out at Wembley on Saturday May 23 for a place in the Premier League next season.
10:54pm
Southampton’s Ryan Manning speaking to Sky Sports
“I feel like we got back in the game, we started get on top, we did not have that killer ball until Shea’s [Charles] went in. It was the first ball of any real quality. Probably in the first game, I do not know how they did not score. In this game, there were times we should have scored. I thought it was going to be a penalty shootout. The last 10 minutes, I thought ‘here we go again’.”
10:52pm
Despair for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s season is over – Andrew Matthews/PA
10:51pm
Man of the match Shea Charles
“It was [a shot for his goal]! It was a cross-shot. I thought I would put it into an area and it has gone all the way through and gone in. It was an incredible moment. None of us are used to extra-time. It was really tough against a really good team but thankfully we came out on top.”
10:50pm
Not the end of the story?
Southampton are into the final but we have not heard the end of Spygate. What may the EFL decide? In theory, they do have the power to potentially throw Southampton out of the play-offs but we will have to wait and see what happens with that investigation.
10:44pm
Southampton on their way to Wembley
There is the final whistle and Southampton will take on Hull in the play-off final. They did fall 1-0 down early on tonight but have come from behind to win after extra time to book their place at Wembley. Joy for Southampton, despair for Middlesbrough.
10:42pm
120+4 mins: Southampton 2 Middlesbrough 1 (2-1)
Just 60 seconds remain and Southampton are on the verge of victory…
10:42pm
120+3 mins: Southampton 2 Middlesbrough 1 (2-1)
Southampton are desperately holding on inside their penalty area and Middlesbrough have a corner on the right. Brynn is up from the Middlesbrough goal but the corner is headed away at the front post.
10:40pm
120+2 mins: Southampton 2 Middlesbrough 1 (2-1)
Peretz is rightly booked for taking ages over a goal kick.
10:39pm
120+1 mins: Southampton 2 Middlesbrough 1 (2-1)
Browne shoots from the edge of the Southampton box but his effort is blocked.
10:38pm
120 mins: Southampton 2 Middlesbrough 1 (2-1)
There will be five added minutes. Is there one more sting in the tale?
10:37pm
119 mins: Southampton 2 Middlesbrough 1 (2-1)
Double change for Southampton as Welington and Bragg come on.
Hansen is on for Middlesbrough.
10:34pm Key moments • Goals • Video
GOAL! Charles puts Southampton in front
Are Southampton on their way to Wembley for the second time in a few weeks? Charles, who scored the winner for Southampton against Arsenal here in the FA Cup, cuts inside from the right and clips in a cross. Fry cannot get his head on it to clear and the ball runs all the way through to the far corner. It was not a shot but Southampton will not care one bit. Southampton are just a few minutes away from the play-off final.
10:31pm
113 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
It is quite edgey as both sides are becoming increasingly resigned to the fact that this game is likely heading to penalties.
10:27pm
109 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Edozie is back to his feet but still clutching at his right shoulder. He is going to come back on.
10:25pm
107 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Whichever side wins this semi-final will be relieved that the final is not this weekend but instead the one after. If it had been this weekend, it would have been a big advantage for Hull.
Play is halted as Edozie has landed awkwardly on his shoulder.
10:23pm
Second period of extra time
Middlesbrough have made a change as Sarmiento replaces McGree.
15 minutes of extra time remain.
10:21pm
HT in extra time
No added time at the end of the first period.
10:20pm
104 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Plenty of fans inside St Mary’s can barely watch at the moment, watching through their fingers.
10:16pm
100 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Larin wins Southampton a corner out on the right as his cross deflects behind off Fry. Manning’s delivery to the near post is flicked on by Wood and the last touch comes off a Middlesbrough player for another corner on the other side. It is sent into a dangerous area and Middlesbrough scramble it clear. Southampton keep it alive and Edozie’s shot is saved by Brynn. Harwood-Bellis then swings to try and make contact with the rebound but misses.
10:13pm
97 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
There are some tired legs out there.
10:07pm
92 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Edozie drives down the left touchline and is brought down by Brittain, who is booked.
10:06pm
Start of extra time
How much do you risk or do you take the chance of going to penalties? There will be plenty of nerves from both sets of fans.
It is rather farcical that kick-off is slightly delayed by the lack of a ball! We are now back under way for 30 minutes of extra time. Could we even go to penalties?
10:00pm
Going to extra time
We go a few minutes beyond the original five added minutes but there is the whistle from referee Andy Madley. We are going to extra time.
09:57pm
90+4 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Fry has received treatment but is now back to his feet. We are going to go at least two minutes over the initial five added on.
09:55pm
90+2 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
There have been plenty of penalty appeals tonight and there is another. Fry swings to make a clearance inside his own box but Larin just gets a touch on the ball first. There is not a huge amount of contact from Fry on Larin but he did not get any of the ball. Referee Andy Madley has had plenty of decisions to make tonight. Fry has actually stayed down having hurt his knee in that moment.
09:53pm
90+1 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Larin has a good chance to score a late winner for Southampton but is denied by Brynn in the Middlesbrough goal.
09:53pm
90 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
There will be five added minutes before what looks like being extra time.
09:51pm
88 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
This does feel like it is going to extra time. Will either side risk it all to try and win it before then?
09:49pm
86 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Middlesbrough are having to negotiate plenty of crosses into their penalty area from corners and free-kicks. So far though they have negotiated them in this second half. Nerves aplenty inside St Mary’s/
09:47pm
84 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Scienza looked like he might come off in the first half but has made it all the way to this point. Stewart also heads off as Larin and Edozie come on.
09:45pm
82 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Change for Middlesbrough as Castledine is on for Strelec, who has had a quiet night up top for the visitors.
09:44pm Video
81 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
It has been a little while since it all kicked off and now tensions boil over once more. Middlesbrough have a throw-in in the Southampton half but the ball boy does no give a ball to Targett. Targett then complains to the referee and Morris goes over to ask for the ball, which the Southampton subs do not like. However, that ball boy was completely in the wrong in that moment and there is no excuse for not handing over the ball to Targett.
09:41pm
78 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Middlesbrough defender Malanda is the latest player into the book for a foul on Azaz.
09:39pm
76 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Scienza wins Southampton a corner out on the left off Brittain and will take the corner he won. He sends it into a dangerous area but the last touch comes off Harwood-Bellis’ head and goes over the bar.
09:35pm
72 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Middlesbrough are going to be forced into a change here as Conway is down. If Middlesbrough do win this semi-final, Conway’s participation in the final you would imagine would be in doubt. Browne is coming on in Conway’s place. It was a very slow walk off from Conway, who looks in some pain.
09:33pm
70 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
This game is on a knife edge and it is safe to say this really could go either way. Could we be set for extra time?
09:29pm
66 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
The first change of the night is made by the hosts as Downes replaces Matsuki.
09:28pm Analysis
65 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Southampton have been much the better side so far this half and forced a series of dangerous corners. Boro are keeping their shape well but not able to pose much of a threat in the early stages.
09:27pm Video
63 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Southampton want a penalty. Fry makes a mess of a long ball forward into the Middlesbrough half and Stewart takes advantage. He lays it off to Scienza, who drives at the Southampton box. He takes it past Ayling and then goes to ground. Was there enough of a push from Ayling to force a penalty? Referee Andy Madley looks straight at it and decides no, which just about feels like the right call.
09:22pm
59 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Charles wins a corner off Fry out on the left for Southampton. Scienza clips it into a dangerous area and there is a bit of a mad scramble in the Middlesbrough box, including an acrobatic overhead kick attempt from Manning. Southampton keep it alive in the Middlesbrough penalty area and Manning’s shot takes a deflection off Ayling and goes just wide.
09:19pm
56 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Azaz is booked for a rash challenge on Targett. Azaz cannot believe the decision but he flew into that challenge and clearly referee Andy Madley did not like that.
09:17pm
53 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Southampton are causing Middlesbrough problems with corners and free-kicks into the penalty area.
09:15pm
51 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Was that a handball against Matsuki inside the Southampton box? Referee Andy Madley indicates the ball hit Matsuki’s shoulder but the replays clearly show it hit Matsuki’s arm. The only question then would be was it too close for Matsuki to react in time? If we did have VAR in use tonight, who knows what the decision would have been.
09:09pm
46 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Scienza, who picked up a knock in the first half, has come back out after half-time but is still not moving comfortably.
Whatever was said between Harwood-Bellis and Ayling will be reported as an incident by referee Andy Madley after the match. Sky Sports are reporting that Ayling is alledging the comments made by Harwood-Bellis were of a “discriminatory nature”.
09:08pm
Second half
We are back under way on the south coast. A place at Wembley is at stake, with this semi-final very finely poised.
No changes for either side at the break.
08:58pm
HT stats
Possession: Southampton 56%-44% Middlesbrough
Shots: 5-8
Shots on target: 3-3
Corners: 2-2
Touches in opposition box: 12-13
08:52pm
Half-time
A dramatic first half is brought to an end and it is 1-1 at the break, with the tie also at 1-1. Plenty of tension has already boiled over in that first half and I think we can expect more in the second.
08:50pm
45+4 mins: Southampton 1 Middlesbrough 1 (1-1)
Some of the play acting on show is getting quite farcical now, with the latest example being Southampton keeper Peretz theatrically going down to try and get Conway booked.
08:46pm Key moments • Goals • Video
GOAL! Stewart brings Southampton level
The home side are back on level terms just into added time. From a free-kick just outside the box on the left, Bree clips it to the back post, where Manning is free. His shot is saved by Brynn and the ball loops into the air. Stewart shows the most hunger to meet it and heads home. A big goal on the strike of half-time.
08:46pm
45 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Due to that lengthy delay during the clashes, there will be six added minutes.
08:42pm
42 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Manning’s delivery from the free-kick is into a dangerous area and, with Stewart right behind him, Ayling puts it over his own bar for a Southampton corner.
The delivery from Scienza is headed out to the edge of the box, where Azaz fires towards goal. It goes through a few bodies and Brynn gathers at the second attempt.
08:40pm Key moments • Video
40 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Ayling is booked for bringing down Scienza and needs to be careful here. He was furious with the referee’s decision to penalise him and then book him. Ayling clashes with Harwood-Bellis before getting involved in a heated exchange with referee Andy Madley. Ayling is potentially talking himself into a second yellow. Something has clearly incensed him and the referee now goes over to talk to both managers. It then kicks off between both managers, who wag fingers at each other and have to be split. Both dugouts are then getting involved and it is all going off. Something has been said and it appears it was Harwood-Bellis who was the one who really got Ayling going, saying something that clearly riled Ayling up.
Tempers boiling over – Warren Little/Getty Images
Ayling has now been booked for another foul on Scienza and things are threatening to boil over with the Fourth Official separating Eckert and Hellberg in the technical area and Ayling having to be dragged away from referee Andrew Madley by Dael Fry, the Boro captain.
08:37pm
36 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Southampton defender Wood is into the book for dissent.
08:33pm
32 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Stewart throws himself to the ground inside the Middlesbrough box and wants a penalty but referee Andy Madley waves those appeals away. Stewart went down far too easily. There is a very small shirt pull from Brittain but not enough for a penalty.
08:32pm
31 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Brittain drives a shot towards goal and it is flicked on by Fry, forcing Peretz into a decent save. However, the flag had gone up anyway against Fry.
08:30pm Analysis
30 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Southampton are awarded a free-kick out on the left after Ayling brought down Scienza, who stays down clutching his knee. The Southampton medics are brought on and Scienza is looking quite uncomfortable.
Fry does well to beat Harwood-Bellis to the header from Manning’s delivery and makes the clearance.
Scienza is back on but for how long?
Southampton’s mercurial talent Leo Scienza doesn’t look comfortable after going down under a heavy challenge from Boro veteran Luke Ayling. The Brazilian is hobbling and looking as though he might need to be replaced.
08:27pm
26 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Brittain drives towards the Southampton penalty area before shooting. He struck it well but the effort is easily saved by Peretz.
08:26pm
25 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Good interplay by Conway, Brittain and Whittaker in the final third results in Conway having a shot from just outside the box deflecting behind for a corner, which is headed away.
08:22pm
21 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Matsuki throws himself to ground inside the Middlesbrough penalty area looking for a foul but there is nothing in that.
08:18pm
17 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Middlesbrough nearly shoot themselves in the foot, giving away possession in and around their own penalty area, but they get away with it. Morris is the one at fault, trying to turn on the edge of his own box, but the visitors escape unscathed.
08:14pm
14 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Southampton have woken up now and are coming into this game, which has got the crowd going. This has not been a cagey start to this second leg.
08:13pm
13 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Middlesbrough’s goal scorer McGree is the first man into the book tonight for a nasty challenge on Charles. Not a red card but definitely a yellow.
08:12pm Key moments
12 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Southampton have barely ventured forward thus far but they should be on level terms. Manning has acres of space to charge down Southampton’s level and delivers a stunning cross to the back post, where he picks out Stewart but somehow the striker misses the target with his effort. That felt harder to miss than to score.
A glorious chance to equalise – Andrew Matthews/PA
08:11pm
10 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Middlesbrough are on top and are eyeing up a second. Whittaker is found in space out on the right and drives into the Southampton penalty area. He fakes going onto his right and instead cuts inside onto his left. He tries to then beat Peretz at his near post but the effort hits the side netting. If Southampton do not wake up quickly, this game will get away from them.
08:09pm Analysis
9 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Stunned silence for a moment inside St Mary’s as McGree struck through the legs of Shea Charles before the home stands rallied again. Boro have started superbly here, just as they did at the Riverside.
08:08pm
7 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 1 (0-1)
Southampton are all over the place and it looks like they have not got off the bus. Middlesbrough can smell blood and have started so quickly. They completely outplayed Southampton in the first half on Saturday but failed to take advantage of that dominance. But they have got an early goal tonight.
08:05pm Key moments • Goals • Video
GOAL! McGree gives Middlesbrough lead
The perfect start for the visitors down on the south coast. They have settled into the game quickly and that is rewarded with a goal. Brittain has far too much space down the right flank for Middlesbrough and picks out McGree in the centre of the box. From around 12 yards out, McGree takes it first time and finds the bottom corner with a clinical finish.
08:04pm Key moments
3 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 0 (0-0)
Strelec goes down inside the Southampton penalty area and the visitors are pleading for a penalty but those appeals are waved away. Matsuki does not get much of the ball as he swung to make the clearance and makes contact on Strelec. Obviously there is no VAR in action tonight but it would have been interesting had there been.
08:03pm
2 mins: Southampton 0 Middlesbrough 0 (0-0 agg)
Plenty of boos from the home fans when Middlesbrough are in possession. You do not really need any added spice in a Championship play-off semi-final second leg but spygate has most certainly provided it.
08:00pm
Kick-off
We are under way at St Mary’s. The tie is finely poised, level at 0-0, so it is all to play for on the south coast. Who will take on Hull in the final; Southampton or Middlesbrough?
07:57pm Analysis
Nearly ready for action
There will be plenty of spice in this one tonight as the two sides emerge from the tunnel. Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up tonight:
Southampton: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Manning, Charles, Jander, Matsuki, Azaz, Scienza, Stewart.
Substitutes: Long, Stephens, Welington, Downes, Bragg, Fellows, Edozie, Archer, Larin.
Middlesbrough: Brynn, Ayling, Fry, Malanda, Brittain, Morris, McGree, Targett, Whittaker, Conway, Strelec.
Substitutes: Wildsmith, Gilbert, Munroe, Browne, Silvera, Castledine, Edmundson, Hansen, Sarmiento.
St Mary’s is being whipped up into a frenzy as the teams emerge from the tunnel. Ex-Saint, Mark ‘psycho’ Dennis is leading songs on the tannoy and there are plenty of pre-match pyrotechnics. Boro started like a steam train in the first leg, Saints will be hoping to do the same in front of their own supporters.
07:51pm
Pre-match thoughts of Southampton’s James Bree
“The second leg at home is massive for us. We have had a nice welcome from the fans. We are looking forward to the atmosphere tonight and good backing from the crowd.”
07:46pm
Gearing up
07:43pm
Plenty of references to Spygate
07:37pm
Hosts’ arrival
07:31pm Analysis
Hostile reception
The Middlesbrough coach received a very hostile welcome as it pulled into St Mary’s with objects being thrown at the windows and boos ringing out amid a sea of red smoke.
07:25pm
Recent form of both sides
Southampton:
Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Preston 1 Southampton 3
Southampton 2 Ipswich 2
Manchester City 2 Southampton 1
Southampton 2 Bristol City
Middlesbrough:
Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Wrexham 2 Middlesbrough 2
Middlesbrough 5 Watford 1
Middlesbrough 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0
Ipswich 2 Middlesbrough 2
07:18pm
Visitors arriving
How much can the Middlesbrough players use all the off-field drama to fuel them tonight?
07:12pm
Teams in full
Southampton: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Manning, Charles, Jander, Matsuki, Azaz, Scienza, Stewart.
Substitutes: Long, Stephens, Welington, Downes, Bragg, Fellows, Edozie, Archer, Larin.
Middlesbrough: Brynn, Ayling, Fry, Malanda, Brittain, Morris, McGree, Targett, Whittaker, Conway, Strelec.
Substitutes: Wildsmith, Gilbert, Munroe, Browne, Silvera, Castledine, Edmundson, Hansen, Sarmiento.
07:06pm
Atmosphere building
Spygate! – Andrew Matthews/PA
Can Southampton use home advantage to good effect tonight? – Warren Little/Getty Images
07:01pm Key moments
Exclusive from Tom Morgan
Middlesbrough have hired leading sports lawyer Nick De Marco as their “spygate” case is expedited to a potential verdict before the Championship play-off final. A sporting sanction that could potentially expel Southampton from the final later this month is an available punishment to the panel hearing evidence.
Evidence is still being compiled in the case, however, so it is not yet guaranteed that Middlesbrough can secure an outcome prior to the final on May 23. Victory for the North East club in their semi-final leg tonight would significantly lessen pressure on the commission.
Nevertheless, Telegraph Sport understands those involved in the case are already working “urgently” to secure a verdict in time. Southampton were charged just four days ago by the EFL after Middlesbrough alleged they were the victims of an espionage attempt before the semi-final first leg. As previously reported, a wide range of action is ultimately available to the league including points deductions, fines as well as a potential expulsion via match forfeit from the final.
An alleged attempt to steal training-ground secrets included a “spy” using professional surveillance equipment, complete with a microphone to record voices and technology to livestream the footage back to someone watching remotely. Telegraph Sport also reported last week how a brief physical confrontation ensued when a member of Middlesbrough’s media team challenged the man, who refused to identify himself and then ran off.
Middlesbrough have since been told by whistleblowers that this is not the first time a member of Southampton’s analyst team has been sent to record opposition training sessions this season. CCTV footage has been studied by the club and the alleged perpetrator has been identified. He is said to be an analyst on Southampton’s website and has worked for the club for more than a year, having held similar positions at Premier League clubs. On Friday night, Southampton posted a statement confirming the club “will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process”.
Middlesbrough turning to De Marco underlines their determination in the case. He has acted for over 45 UK clubs, numerous players, and agents, including key roles for Leicester City, Newcastle United, and Benjamin Mendy in recent years. The case is being heard by an independent panel but it has already been made aware of the timescale of the final in the hope the case can be concluded quickly.
06:58pm
How Hull booked their place in the final last night
Wembley will hold no fear for Hull City after they marched into the Lions’ den and secured a victory that took them into the Championship play-off final.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side have defied logic and football metrics all season with their teamwork and unstinting commitment.
Substitutes Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt scored the goals that sealed a 2-0 aggregate victory, but it was the Hull togetherness which overcame the hostility that awaited and baited them all evening in south London.
A delighted Jakirovic said: “It’s an amazing feeling. Like a dream. A great achievement for the club, for the players, for me. But we have experienced players who know what it takes to play in the play-offs.
06:54pm
Championship play-off schedule
Play-off semi-final first legs
Hull 0 Millwall 0 – Friday May 8
Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0 – Saturday May 9
Play-off semi-final second legs
Millwall 0 Hull 2 – Monday May 11
Southampton vs Middlesbrough – Tonight, 8pm
Play-off final
Saturday May 23, Wembley Stadium
06:47pm Key moments
Middlesbrough team
06:46pm Key moments
Southampton team
06:45pm Key moments
‘Spygate’ looming large
A place in the Championship play-off final is at stake on the south coast as Southampton host Middlesbrough at St Mary’s, with off-field matters being talked about as much as matters on the pitch. The first leg up in the north East on Saturday ended in a 0-0 draw but the build-up to the first leg was dominated by ‘spygate’. Middlesbrough claimed that a member of the Southampton coaching staff was found watching and recording a training session at the Middlesbrough training ground a few days before the first leg.
Southampton reached the play-off final two years ago, beating West Brom in the semi-final before overcoming Leeds in the final at Wembley. Tonda Eckert’s side are currently on a 20-game unbeaten run in the league, with their last defeat at St Mary’s coming back in January.
“We are at half-time now and I think you can interpret this in many different ways,” Southampton boss Tonda Eckert told BBC Radio Solent. “In the end it is important that we bring it to our side on Tuesday [tonight] and I think that the crowd and the supporters are going to give us a very big lift. The boys were outstanding over 90 minutes [on Saturday] and we take lots of the positives into the game on Tuesday [tonight].”
Since the early part of January, Middlesbrough’s only defeat away from home was at Championship winners Coventry. Middlesbrough did finish level on points with Southampton during the regular season.
“We are strong away from home, we have lost one of our 10 games,” Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees. “We have scored against every team since then, we know we are a very good football team. There was a lot of confidence from the performance [in the first leg] and we’ll use that going into this game and we know we can beat every team in this league. A lot of people like the way we play football. It is a very brave way of doing it. That first half of the play-off game was unbelievable. There are many that like the way we play, like the way we handle ourselves. We are honest in our approach in trying to play offensive football and there are a lot of people that like that.”
Hellberg has confirmed that midfielder Hayden Hackney, who has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace this summer, is still out with a calf injury.
The winner tonight will face Hull in the play-off final after they beat Millwall 2-0 on aggregate. Team news to follow shortly.
Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
