Southampton boss Tonda Eckert leaves press conference after blunt ‘spygate’ question

FootballSports
13 May 2026 • 5:58 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert leaves press conference after blunt ‘spygate’ question

  • Southampton advanced to the Championship play-off final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time on Tuesday, securing their spot against Hull on 23 May for promotion to the Premier League.
  • The semi-final victory has been overshadowed by an ongoing EFL investigation into “Spygate 2.0”, a misconduct charge against Southampton.
  • Middlesbrough accused Southampton of observing a training session before their first-leg match, an allegation which Southampton has not yet denied.
  • Southampton's manager, Tonda Eckert, walked out of his post-match press conference after being repeatedly questioned about the “spygate” allegations, and being asked directly by a reporter: “Are you a cheat?”
  • The EFL is pushing for an early hearing from an independent disciplinary commission, with potential penalties for Southampton, if found guilty, ranging from a fine or points deduction to expulsion from the play-offs.

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