Southampton boss Tonda Eckert given suspended ban over Spygate scandal

Tonda Eckert, Southampton head coach has been handed a fine and a suspended six-week suspension for his part in the Spygate scandal that rocked English soccer last season.

Southampton was expelled from the Championship playoff final in May after admitting to spying on other teams, including semifinal opponent Middlesbrough.

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Eckert was subsequently charged for his involvement in three incidents.

The English Football Association said Eckert admitted the charges and on Wednesday said he had been reprimanded and fined 28,000 pounds ($37,000).

His suspension was suspended until the end of next season.

Southampton was charged by the English Football League with the unauthorized filming of Middlesbrough’s practice sessions ahead of their two-legged semifinal, which it went on to win and go within one game of promotion to the Premier League.

It was expelled from the final after also admitting to spying on Oxford United and Ipswich earlier in the season. The EFL imposed a four-point deduction for next season, while Middlesbrough was reinstated to the final, which it lost 1-0 to Hull City.