'He needs banning' - Southampton fans share same Tonda Eckert feeling after EFL decision

Southampton fans express their shared frustration with the EFL verdict as they demand Tonda Eckert’s sacking and guilty figures of the Spygate scandal gone as soon as possible.

The EFL’s verdict on the Spygate incident has caused an uproar among Southampton fans. Several pundits have questioned whether expulsion from the playoff final was the right punishment, but for the supporters, the bigger betrayal has been the club’s admission itself.

Notably, the club admitted to having previously spied on Oxford United and Ipswich in addition to Middlesbrough ahead of the semi‑final. While that admission indirectly pointed to Tonda Eckert’s involvement, the manager’s own admission has since made the case even clearer.

Saints Extra reported Eckert’s admission, quoting: “Southampton manager Tonda Eckert admitted he was responsible for the decision to spy on opponents — his key defence was that, since the practice is widespread on the continent, he had no idea he was breaking English football rules.”

Eckert’s claimed naivety raises further doubts about whether he was the strategic mastermind behind the spying. But given that he had the most to gain from the information as the club’s manager, he was surely a central figure in the whole affair.

Saints fans are intolerant of Tonda Eckert’s Spygate involvement

Eckert’s reputation among Southampton fans has taken a significant hit following his admission. He was previously lauded as the best manager the club has had in recent years, but the German coach is now close to ending his tenure as the most hated figure among supporters.

One Southampton supporter summed it all up: “He will be remembered forever as the leader of the darkest days in our clubs history when a week ago we were hailing him as our king”

While most Saints fans are still coping with the betrayal, others are questioning why such practices were even necessary. A group of fans intrigued: “The fact that he had a parachute team, with possibly the strongest squad in the league, could sign anyone etc.. and needed to spy on championship teams, is harrowingly embarrassing.”

Southampton were among the four clubs receiving parachute payments for the 2025/26 campaign. Combined with the financial backing of Sport Republic for a summer overhaul, Eckert’s actions appear even more indefensible.

What’s worth noting is that Eckert’s managerial tactics were hardly shaky enough to force him into such practices. He led Southampton to wins over Premier League opponents like Arsenal and Fulham, games where spying would have made little sense. That only deepens the bafflement over why he felt the need to spy on Championship sides.

What next for Southampton and Tonda Eckert?

It’s more than obvious that the Spygate incident will end with much more severe repercussions for Southampton and Eckert than the initial punishment. While Eckert is likely to be sacked if the club are not reinstated after their appeal, fans want him gone regardless.

Southampton fans stood in unison to demand Eckert’s sacking following his involvement as one of the main figures in the Spygate scandal. One fan mentioned: “He needs banning from football for 12/18 months at least, along with the Spors fella, and any coach complicit in the cheating.”

On the other hand, Southampton look destined for the darkest phase in the club’s history. Already tainted by being expelled for cheating in the playoffs, many of the club’s core players will likely demand transfers to avoid being associated with Southampton any longer.

One Southampton supporter predicted what may be in store for them ahead: “Real crisis. Manager, Technical Director will go, and how many more from team, who are all guilty. Peretz, Larin won’t sign. Jander already said off. H-B, Charles, Scienza, Azaz likely off. Ramsdale as well? At least got Bazunu, BBD, Sugawara and Smallbone back!”

The end result of this exodus could see Southampton relying on returning loanees like Bazunu, Brereton Díaz, Sugawara, and Smallbone to build a new team from scratch. If they lose their core superstars, no one knows how long the EFL’s expulsion will prolong Southampton’s stay in the Championship.