Tonda Eckert's Press Conference Ends After 'Cheat' Question in Southampton Spy Scandal
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 13
Tonda Eckert's Press Conference Ends After 'Cheat' Question in Southampton Spy Scandal
7 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 13
A journalist's "Are you a cheat?" question abruptly ended Tonda Eckert's latest press conference, with a media handler ushering the 33-year-old Southampton coach out as the spying scandal deepened.
Eckert had said only that he would speak once the investigation closes, while Southampton have issued limited statements and still have neither admitted nor denied spying on Middlesbrough training.
Tuesday's playoff semifinal grew even more heated when Eckert and Boro manager Kim Hellberg clashed on the touchline, and Luke Ayling accused Taylor Harwood-Bellis of mocking his speech impediment.
Southampton's comeback win sent them to a Wembley playoff final against Hull City, but the FA disciplinary probe could still bring sanctions that leave Middlesbrough with a route back into contention.
Will Southampton's 'spygate' scandal see them expelled from the Wembley final just days before the match?
Could evidence from other clubs turn Southampton's 'spygate' into a much wider cheating investigation?