Saints icon Charlie Austin begs FA not to ruin Southampton boss Tonda Eckert’s career with six-month spygate ban

Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin has urged the FA not to derail manager Tonda Eckert's career with a potential six-month ban. The German coach faces an FA meeting on Thursday after Southampton were caught spying on Middlesbrough prior to their play-off semi-final.

Southampton previously admitted to spying on Reading and Oxford, resulting in removal from last May's play-off final against Hull and a four-point deduction this season. Austin argued that Eckert has learned from his mistake and called for the ongoing disciplinary process to conclude.