EFL pundit left flabbergasted as Tonda Eckert avoids lengthy Southampton ban

EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff expressed shock after Southampton manager Tonda Eckert avoided an immediate touchline ban for his role in a spying controversy. Eckert, who admitted to approving surveillance of opponents' training sessions during the 2025/26 Championship season, received a suspended ban and a £28,000 fine from an EFL commission rather than an immediate suspension.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, McAnuff called the decision a real shock, arguing that Eckert was solely responsible for the incident. Southampton were previously expelled from the 2025/26 playoffs and issued a four-point deduction for the current campaign, but Eckert remains cleared to manage from the touchline.