Kim Hellberg and Tonda Eckert separated by officials as tensions boil over at Championship play-off Spygate showdown

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg and Southampton manager Tonda Eckert had to be kept apart on the sidelines during a tense showdown.

The Championship play-off semi-final tie between the two sides has been overshadowed by a Spygate scandal after Saints were charged for allegedly having someone watch Middlesbrough‘s training in the build-up to last week’s first leg.

Sky Sports

The incident happened with Boro leading 1-0 on the night and in the tie thanks to Riley McGree’s early goal.

Luke Ayling was adjudged to have committed a rather soft foul, it boiled over in the technical area.

The referee went over to the sidelines to speak with both managers before having to keep the two apart as they continued to have crossed words despite the situation being calmed down.

McGree’s goal was then cancelled out by Ross Stewart just before half time, so the teams are level on the night and in the tie after a goalless draw in the first leg at the Riverside Stadium.

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