Eckert’s Spygate ban may be lenient, but no sane manager will try the same trick again
Verdict has been a long time coming and the Southampton head coach has recaptured hearts and minds at St Mary’s
TL;DR
- Southampton coach Tonda Eckert was banned for six weeks (suspended) and fined £28,000 for authorizing spying on opponents.
- The spying incident, dubbed 'Spygate', involved an intern filming Middlesbrough's training session prior to a playoff semi-final.
- The Football League (EFL) had previously expelled Southampton from the playoff final and deducted four points for the season.
- Eckert's actions led to death threats and required security measures for him and his family.
- The FA's decision followed a lengthy delay and a hearing on September 24th.
- Eckert has since apologized and appears to have regained the support of the Southampton board and players.