Southampton manager ‘had no idea Spygate was breaking rules’ | Football | Sport
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has claimed that spying on opponents is standard practice elsewhere in Europe and, consequently, he had no idea it was prohibited in English football, according to reports. The Saints boss has admitted that he was responsible for the decision to spy on rivals, which is strictly forbidden by the EFL. This has led to the Championship club being thrown out of the play-off final, with Middlesbrough reinstated in their place.
It was his choice to dispatch an intern to observe their semi-final opponents that ignited the Spygate controversy. Eckert sought a deeper understanding of how his rivals were likely to set up their team, as well as wanting further insight into any potential set-piece routines.
The Saints boss has engineered a remarkable turnaround in fortunes since taking the reins on the south coast. Previously, he has held positions with the German national side and the youth teams at FC Koln, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, where he claims spying is commonplace.
The Telegraph reports that he insists he was unaware of the culture in England, which formed his primary defence when he addressed an EFL hearing. Eckert could now face a ban from the FA, which could throw his Southampton future into serious doubt.
Eckert had been guarded when pressed during pre and post-match press conferences throughout the play-off semi-final. He declined to elaborate beyond the club’s original statement before storming out of a press conference when questioned over whether he “was a cheat” in the wake of Southampton’s victory.
Boro boss Kim Hellberg wore his heart on his sleeve after Middlesbrough’s elimination, yet a muted atmosphere descended upon St Mary’s that evening as Saints were acutely aware an investigation was looming. Following the EFL’s ruling, those from the Riverside Stadium have “welcome the outcome” and will now prepare to face Hull.
The hearing further disclosed that Southampton’s surveillance of opponents was no isolated incident. They also observed both Ipswich and Oxford in training ahead of facing them, though they failed to win either of the subsequent fixtures.
Saints retain the right to appeal and are currently reviewing the findings. The club believes the sanction is disproportionate given the nature of their conduct. As matters stand, they have been expelled from the play-off final and handed a four-point deduction ahead of next season.
Southampton’s chief executive has emailed staff saying the club are confident they can reverse the decision. All parties have agreed to bring the matter to a conclusion on Wednesday, in order to avert the possibility of the final being rescheduled.
