Southampton's boss Tonda Eckert declined to comment on spying allegations after the EFL charged the club. The first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough ended in a goalless draw.
Mentioned in this story
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 clubâs statement, following EFL charges amid allegations of spying on opponents Middlesbrough.
Eckertâs 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 âa complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private propertyâ.
In response, Southampton said: âSouthampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.
âWe can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process.
âGiven the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time.â
âI think the club has made a statement yesterday evening and I think that is all there is to say at the moment,â Eckert said when quizzed on the allegations after the game.
âI think we can talk about this, and I know these questions are coming up, but I think that we shouldnât 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.
âI think Iâve said more than enough. I know the questions keep coming up, but the club has made a statement yesterday evening.
âThatâs all there is to say at the moment. Iâve said this a couple of times now. At this point of the season, these games belong to the players.â
Southampton is accused of unauthorized filming on private property, leading to EFL charges following a complaint from Middlesbrough.
The first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final ended in a 0-0 draw.
Tonda Eckert stated he had nothing to add to the club's official statement regarding the EFL charges.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.