Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could face a ban if Saints are found guilty of the Spygate scandal as turmoil continues ahead of EFL hearing
If Southampton are found guilty, Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could be suspended for his alleged involvement in the spying scandal (Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert and technical director Johannes Spors could face suspension if they are found to have ordered the Spygate mission involving the club.
Saints defeated Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final this week to book their spot at Wembley. Shay Charles’ goal late in extra time was enough to secure victory, but it comes after allegations of spying were made ahead of the first leg at Riverside Stadium at the weekend.
Southampton have been accused of misconduct by the EFL after Boro were allegedly caught spying on one of their analyst staff at Rockliffe training ground. Questions have been raised over whether the south coast club will take on Hull for the right to play in the Premier League.
The hearing has not yet been confirmed, but is expected to be conducted by an independent disciplinary committee. If Southampton are found guilty, one possible outcome could be a suspension for either Eckert or Sporse, reports The Sun.
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The person in question was identified as intern William Salt. He was photographed hiding behind a tree and using his mobile phone to monitor the Teessiders’ training session before taking the stand.
Salt was previously photographed on Saints manager Eckert’s shoulder as he celebrated winning the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award in February. He is not in the recent photos.
Middlesbrough are poised to take legal action and are believed to have credit card details used by the person at the adjoining golf club in Rockliffe, part of a complex owned by Boro chairman Steve Gibson, which could form part of the legal filings. Gibson has requested the services of prominent sports lawyer Nick De Marco, and the Teeside club is calling for an EFL hearing to begin before the weekend to seek clarity.
Spygate ruined playoff semi-finals (Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
Manager Kim Helberg and her players, who had an emotional reaction after Middlesbrough’s season ended on Tuesday night against St Mary’s, continue to train ahead of Southampton’s possible return from the play-off final.
Southampton have been forced to remove all updates about tickets they mistakenly posted when sharing information about the final on Wednesday night. The club claim the confusion over tickets was because details were due to be announced at the same time as fellow finalist Hull.
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