Southampton boss Eckert not commenting on spying allegations following EFL charge as play-off first leg ends goalless

Southampton boss Eckert not commenting on spying allegations following EFL charge as play-off first leg ends goalless

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert insisted he had nothing to add to the club’s statement, following EFL charges amid allegations of spying on opponents Middlesbrough.

Eckert’s side drew 0-0 at Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

But the game was overshadowed by allegations ahead of the game that Southampton had spied on their opponents, with the EFL charging the club following “a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property”.

In response, Southampton said: “Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.

“We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process.

“Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time.”

“I think the club has made a statement yesterday evening and I think that is all there is to say at the moment,” Eckert said when quizzed on the allegations after the game.

“I think we can talk about this, and I know these questions are coming up, but I think that we shouldn’t get distracted from the importance of these two big games. These big games always belong to the players, and I think the focus belongs to them.

“I think I’ve said more than enough. I know the questions keep coming up, but the club has made a statement yesterday evening.

“That’s all there is to say at the moment. I’ve said this a couple of times now. At this point of the season, these games belong to the players.”