Labour MP issues Spygate demand to EFL in twist to Southampton scandal | Football | Sport

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald has called into question the ‘respect’ shown to Middlesbrough FC by Southampton amid the Spygate scandal, urging the EFL to take prompt action against the south coast club. The Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East took to social media in the wake of the play-off semi-final, which Boro lost 2-1 at St Mary’s after extra time.

Yet the tie has been entirely overshadowed by the spying allegations levelled against Southampton, after Boro allegedly caught an individual believed to be a Southampton employee filming their training session last Thursday, which would constitute a breach of EFL regulations.

Boro manager Kim Hellberg spoke with passion and raw emotion following Tuesday evening’s match about why the matter was so significant, and why it cut so deeply. He described himself as heartbroken.

Tonda Eckert, meanwhile, continuing a pattern of fractious behaviour from his post-match press conference at the Riverside, walked out once again at St Mary’s after being asked, ‘are you a cheat?’

Rather than simply responding to the question, the press conference was brought to an abrupt halt, with Southampton press officer Jordan Sibley calling for some ‘respect’ to be shown.

Neither he nor Eckert offered a response when asked whether they had shown Middlesbrough any respect as they made their way out of the room.

Posting on X, McDonald MP wrote: “Kim Helberg’s post-match interview showed his decency, commitment and total integrity. By contrast, the Southampton manager walks out again when asked if he is a cheat.

“Remarkable lack of awareness for the club spokesman to respond with ‘Have some respect’. What respect did they show to Kim Helberg, his players, to MFC and our fans?

“Southampton cannot be allowed to profit from their dishonesty. The EFL have to come down firmly and decisively on Southampton and they need to do it quickly.”