Southampton Boss Eckert Apologises Over ‘Spygate’ Scandal

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has apologized for his role in the club’s “spygate” scandal, admitting he bears responsibility for the controversy that led to the Saints’ expulsion from the Championship play-offs.

The south-coast club were thrown out of the play-offs in May after admitting they sent a young intern to spy on a Middlesbrough training session before their semi-final clash.

The English Football League described the incident as a “deplorable” breach of regulations and concluded that pressure had been placed on the junior staff member to carry out the surveillance. A disciplinary ruling also found that Eckert had authorised the operation.

Addressing the matter in a video statement released by Southampton earlier today, June 1, the 33-year-old German accepted responsibility for the events.

He said: “I will try to be as honest and clear as I can be.

“For everything that has happened, I do want to apologise and I hold my hand up because as head coach I am responsible.

“I am responsible for everything that has happened at this football club.”

Despite the fallout, Southampton owner Dragan Solak has publicly backed the manager, insisting the incident should not end Eckert’s time at the club.

The Serbian businessman argued that the coach had made an error rather than acted with deliberate intent.

“I have to believe, honestly, and I believe Tonda, that he didn’t know it was the rule that he was breaking,” Solak told the BBC.

He added: “My personal opinion, and the opinion of the board, is that he is a manager who deserves to be backed by us and to be supported by us.

“I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him. My first support would be behind him, actually, because I think he is a super-talented manager.”

Southampton have also been handed a four-point deduction for next season after admitting multiple breaches linked to the unauthorised filming of rival clubs’ training sessions.

Eckert’s troubles may not be over, however. The Football Association has opened its own investigation and could yet bring charges against the manager. If found guilty, he could face a touchline ban.

Solak believes the punishment already imposed on Southampton has gone far enough, claiming both the club and its manager have been treated unfairly.

“My support comes from a very simple legal situation where there is no double jeopardy,” said Solak.

“Whatever crime you did, you can be sentenced only once.”

He also described the scrutiny surrounding Eckert as “a witch-hunt” and argued the club had been “over-sentenced”.

Middlesbrough, who were beaten by Southampton in the play-off semi-finals, were reinstated for the Championship final at Wembley on May 23.

However, Boro failed to secure promotion after losing to Hull City, who will join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in next season’s Premier League.