Boro boss accuses Saints over 'spygate' allegations

Southampton have been charged by the EFL with a breach of two regulations.

That provided a spicy backdrop for the first leg of the play-off semi-final, which ended in a goalless draw.

Hellberg, 38, said it would give Southampton a "massive advantage" if one of his sessions had been filmed.

"I've seen some talking about that it's not a big advantage because you can see the games on film," he said. "But it's a massive advantage.

"You don't do this. You don't plan to do this.

"I think every team in the Championship should be angry. It's wrong. Just wrong."

Southampton counterpart Tonda Eckert, meanwhile, was on the defensive.

He repeatedly refuted the suggestion that this issue has been an unwanted distraction for his players.

Fuelled by the prize on offer and an apparent sense of injustice, Boro launched 17 shots on the Saints goal in the first half.

"The club has made a statement yesterday evening," said Eckert. "That is all there is to say about it.

"I know these questions are coming, but we shouldn't get distracted from the importance of these two big games.

"The big games belong to the players and I think they deserve that the focus is on them."