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#Post#: 106380--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: mac
Date: May 19, 2026, 4:47 pm
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My suspicion is that these were three there was evidence for,
but the inference being they aren’t the only examples.
It seemed to go unnoticed, possibly restricted reporting, that
there as a separate charge made on Sunday about the other
offences.
#Post#: 106384--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: rustyref
Date: May 19, 2026, 5:23 pm
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--- Quote from: HChip link ---
>
> [quote author=rustyref link=topic=8002.msg106343#msg106343
date=1779215142]
> [quote author=HChip link=topic=8002.msg106340#msg106340
date=1779214704]
> May be an unpopular opinion but Tonda Eckert should be
dismissed from his job.
>
> Embarrassing from Southampton.
>
> Also concerning how they admitted the actions and are
intending to appeal it?
>
--- End Quote ---
They would be appealing the sanction not the guilty verdict
[/quote]
I doubt their appeal will be anywhere close to successful. The
EFL will most definitely stand by the sanction as it sets the
standard for clubs that think they can go peeking into other
clubs training.
Sad thing is, out of the teams they spied on:
They lost 2-1 vs Oxford, who they spied on
They drew 2-2 vs Ipswich, who they spied on
They won 2-1 and drew 0-0 vs Boro, who they spied on
The staff behind this need to walk, and so does the manager.
They are a disgrace to their fans and the club, and I’m not even
a Southampton fan.
Upwards of 37k tickets will also need to be refunded, along with
any other costs. Will be very costly and will definitely turn
any clubs away from spying.
And with all of this, Middlesbrough will no doubt pull out a
certain celebration if they score in the final!
[/quote]
It has nothing to do with the EFL, they just bring the charges.
The hearing was an independent commission and any potential
appeal with be a different independent commission.
Agree it is a problem for the fans though, anyone who has booked
hotels and transport will have no way of getting that back.
#Post#: 106397--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: Failed Ref
Date: May 20, 2026, 1:26 am
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I may have inadvertently ticked a reply I didn't mean to but
while typing I would say that this punishment feels right.
Southampton now need to accept responsibility and apologise
while also disciplining those behind it all.
Two points. Are other clubs doing this?
Secondly, there was little delay due to circumstances in
delivering justice. No lawyers hindering due process. Contrast
this with the Premier League and the charges against Chelsea and
Manchester City. Justice delayed is Justice denied.
#Post#: 106398--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: OwdReds
Date: May 20, 2026, 2:31 am
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I understand that the FA are likely to look at charges against
individuals once Southampton's appeal has been heard. The people
involved in a spying incident at the 2024 Olympic Womens
Tournament all received 12 month bans.
#Post#: 106440--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: ARF
Date: May 20, 2026, 12:11 pm
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I think the decision to expel Southampton is reasonable,
irrespective of the potentially severe financial implications.
Being caught spying on opponents three separate times smacks of
those involved having a serious problem regarding their
relationship with the rules of the competition. I have sympathy
with their supporters, but the club has to be punished for the
offences committed, and I fail to see what other punishment
would be fair to Middlesbrough.
#Post#: 106447--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: Joecphillips
Date: May 20, 2026, 1:30 pm
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Removing Southampton is the only reasonable outcome from this,
there wasn’t this much coverage when Swindon were removed for
breaking rules in whatever the pizza cup is called now.
What I have found interesting is people have gone through player
interviews from earlier in the season and Southampton players
praised their manager for “literally every little thing he just
gives you. It makes it so easy.” “You know what the other team
are doing” that combined with the turn around in form and random
dates of confirmed incidents makes you wonder how many other
teams have they spied on without being caught
#Post#: 106451--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: ARF
Date: May 20, 2026, 3:33 pm
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Appeal dismissed:
HTML https://x.com/EFL_Comms/status/2057197214137811336?s=20
#Post#: 106453--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: HChip
Date: May 20, 2026, 3:50 pm
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Rightly so, and now Eckert must, must walk.
No other option. If Tonda Eckert doesn’t get the sack, the
fanbase will very quickly keep turning on the board and the
senior members at the club.
#Post#: 106456--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: bmb
Date: May 20, 2026, 5:14 pm
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I think the CEO needs to go as well.
#Post#: 106464--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: Failed Ref
Date: May 21, 2026, 2:36 am
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A cull is required to rebuild confidence in the club. I would
like to know what whistleblowing policy Southampton have.
Someone must have suspected wrong doing.
Feel for the fans, sponsors etc., but I would like to know how
the punishment was arrived at. If this was discovered mid
season, what penalty could be expected? Were Southampton
penalised because they spied on play off rivals?
Let me make it clear, the consequences of the punishment are
irrelevant imho. Other clubs have been deducted points leading
to missing out on promotion or getting relegated. Southampton
deserved what they got and need to re-establish credibility.
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