Southampton manager Tonda Eckert abruptly ended his post-match press conference, walking out after repeatedly refusing to address questions regarding the ‘spygate’ controversy that has overshadowed the Championship play-off semi-final. The incident followed a tense 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough in the first leg on Saturday afternoon. The Saints were formally charged with breaching EFL regulations on the eve of the match, after Middlesbrough accused a member of Southampton’s staff of illicitly observing their training session before making a swift departure. This furore appeared to galvanise Middlesbrough, who started with intensity at a vibrant Riverside Stadium, creating 17 first-half chances, the best falling to Tommy Conway. However, Southampton eventually found their footing, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis hitting the crossbar late in the game, leaving the tie finely poised for Tuesday’s decisive second leg at St Mary’s. Reflecting on the match, Eckert stated: "We are at half-time now.…