Southampton manager storms out of press conference after ‘cheat’ question | Football | Sport

For the second post-match press conference in a row, Southampton manager Tonda Eckert made an abrupt exit, with his press officer taking exception to one straightforward question. Southampton defeated Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time in the second leg of the play-off semi-final, with goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles cancelling out Riley McGree’s early opener.

However, the tie, and indeed the result, are somewhat overshadowed given the serious charges Southampton face for allegedly spying on Boro’s training sessions ahead of the first leg. Although Southampton progressed and are, for now, bound for Wembley to face Hull City in the promotion showdown for the Premier League, the EFL’s independent disciplinary committee must still hear the misconduct charge and, if required, determine an appropriate punishment. Boro will push for Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs.

Having previously promised to tell his truth, Eckert took considerable offence to one blunt question, following Kim Hellberg’s accusation of ‘cheating’ against Southampton after the first leg.

When asked, ‘Tonda, are you a cheat?’, the press conference was brought to an immediate standstill. The German boss made a swift departure alongside press officer Jordan Sibley, who had similarly shut down his press conference at the Riverside.

Rising from his seat, Sibley said: “Thank you very much, show some respect, that’s all we ask, well done.” In response, another journalist asked, “Have Middlesbrough been shown any respect by Southampton Football Club?” No answer was given as the pair left.

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Prior to the abrupt conclusion, Eckert elaborated slightly more than he had on Saturday regarding the scandal, insisting the club were taking the matter extremely seriously, and that, once the charges are heard, he would put forward his side of the story.

He said: “It’s not easy for me to comment. There’s just nothing I can say at the moment because it’s an ongoing investigation. We’re taking the matter very seriously. I will say something, I just can’t say it now.

“It’s an ongoing investigation and the club has made a statement on that. I don’t like having to repeat myself. I just ask you to respect that because that’s really the only thing I can say.

“Nothing that I say is going to make an impact on that. It’s not easy for me. I will say something, it’s just not the moment. I think this whole matter is overshadowing two games that are an advert for the Championship.

“I would hope the way we speak about that gives credit to the quality of both games. When the investigation is closed, I will say something.”

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Eckert’s press conference came after Kim Hellberg’s. The Boro boss stepped up and delivered a passionate speech expressing his disgust at the scandal.

Visibly emotional and struggling to hold back tears, he spoke of how he had sacrificed precious time with his family to prepare properly for the match, dedicating countless hours to studying Southampton’s games. He did so because reaching the Premier League represents his lifelong dream.

When asked whether he felt sympathy for Hellberg and could understand his reaction, Eckert responded: “Again, I think everyone has the right to express their opinion. He has done that. All I can say is, I will say something, it’s just not the moment now.”