Kim Hellberg has labelled the 'Spygate' scandal that overshadowed Middlesbrough's Championship play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton as "disgraceful" and admitted it "breaks my heart". A Southampton staff member was allegedly caught attempting to observe a Boro training session last Thursday, sparking controversy ahead of the decisive second leg.

Shea Charles' 116th-minute winner sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory for Saints at St Mary's. Hellberg, who worked 15 years as a coach chasing his Premier League dream, expressed pride in his team's tactical approach despite being eliminated. "When you have done that and put every second away from your family to watch Southampton every game to try to gain the advantage... when that is taken away from you, it breaks my heart," he said.

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert walked out of two press conferences when pressed about the alleged spying. The EFL has charged Southampton, with a disciplinary hearing now recommended before the play-off final at Wembley on May 23. Middlesbrough views the situation as clear cheating and wants the most severe punishment available, believing a fine would serve little purpose.