Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has found himself in the firing line over Southampton’s expulsion from the Championship Play-Off Final.
Aftonbladet report comments from Alexander Axén today. He feels that Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has been ‘disrespectful’ over the saga.
Southampton expelled
Southampton were removed from the final this week after Middlesbrough reported that a Southampton employee had filmed a training session before the two sides met in the semi-finals.
The EFL opened an investigation, before photos then emerged of the Southampton analyst filming the evening training session.
An independent committee then ruled on the case, deciding to expel Southampton. As part of the investigation, the Saints admitted to multiple incidents of spying this season. They were expelled from the playoffs and docked four points for next season.
Southampton have lodged an appeal, with the case being heard on Wednesday morning. It has left the final in doubt, with the timing of it now subject to change depending on what happens in that appeal. Both sides are continuing to train ahead of the clash with Hull City.
Hellberg to blame
Alexander Axén, a Swedish manager, pundit, and Southampton fan, isn’t impressed by any of it. But he thinks the blame lies with Middlesbrough’s Kim Hellberg more than anyone else.
“How do they even have the guts to do something like this?” he said.
“Middlesbrough are very happy that they managed to win this spot. Southampton have admitted that they had someone there who filmed, but the proportions of this… it’s horrible.
“Someone sneaking into the bushes has never decided a football match. It is decided all the time on the pitch. He filmed before the first match, when Middlesbrough were completely superior. So, it was not very well filmed in such cases.
“They can’t score and then they whine instead. I actually lose faith. It’s a breakdown like no other. They started joking after two 90 minutes, plus 30 minutes of extra time. Pathetic.”
He was particularly annoyed when he saw the Middlesbrough manager at a clash between Hammarby, his former club, and Malmö FF, on Sunday. Alexander Axén was in TV4’s studio for that game.
“I got a pulse when I saw him (Hellberg), because I don’t like that they reported it,” he added.
“I think it’s wrong and bad and a lack of respect. People can say: “What, he (the spy) was there filming.” But I’ll say it again: football is decided on the football field, that’s just how it is.”
