Southampton manager storms out of press conference after refusing to answer multiple questions

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert stormed out of a cranky post-match press conference after refusing to answer questions on the ‘spygate’ controversy.

Saints were charged with breaching EFL regulations after a member of staff was alleged to have spied on Middlesbrough training ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

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Staff members at the Teesside club are believed to have spotted a man taking pictures and videos of the session.

The man in question was asked to delete his footage before he quickly fled to another part of the training complex.

Eckert was challenged on the matter following Saturday’s goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium but refused to answer any questions that went beyond the club’s official statement.

Southampton’s press officer intervened to tell reporters that the only questions they will be answering will be on Tuesday’s second leg at St Mary’s.

But, when the next ‘spygate’ question was asked, Eckert and the press officer walked out of the press conference together.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg was damnign in his assessment of the controversy.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears. Couldn’t believe it when I was told a second time, or third,” the Swede told Sky Sports.

“It’s quite clear that they – and I don’t mean the players or fans of Southampton – I think they are brilliant and gave nothing to do with it. But, someone has made a decision to cheat.

“We were trying to focus on the session as much as we could, we had an important game.

“I’ve seen some saying it’s not a big advantage but it is. Take today for example.

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“We have never used that first-half shape before, that was impossible to know. It’s just unfair, and I think everyone in this room agrees.

“I feel anger, but there has to be respect too between each other that they have totally failed in.

“I think it’s disappointing because it’s a big game. They tried to get an advantage in an unfair way.”

He continued: “Who would get the fine? Should they pay it to the EFL? Okay.

“So they see everything we do, and…we will see what happens, I don’t know. I just think it’s weird they try to cheat in this type of game.

“Didn’t [Marcelo] Bielsa pay £200,000 when it wasn’t a law? I think a lot of clubs would pay that amount to try and get the advantage two days before a game.

“You don’t do this, you don’t plan to do this. Every team in the Championship should be angry. It is wrong, it is wrong.”