This EFL pundit has been left flabbergasted as Tonda Eckert avoided a 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.
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