Tonda Eckert reveals he was sent DEATH THREATS after Spygate and police warned Southampton boss not to drive his car

TONDA ECKERT has revealed that he was sent DEATH THREATS following Southampton’s Spygate controversy. The Saints were booted out of the Championship Play-Off final after being found guilty of spying on rivals Middlesbrough. Tonda Eckert has revealed he has been sent death threats Credit: Getty Southampton were found to be spying on opposition teamsCredit: Refer to source Boro were handed Southampton’s spot in the final which they ultimately lost to Hull City. The south coast side were also handed a four-point penalty, which comes into action at the start of the 2026/27 season. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Eckert, 33, could be further punished as he is currently the subject of a charge from the FA. The German manager is awaiting the punishment after the FA found that the spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Boro was a “contrived and determined plan from the top down”. Southampton have stood by the coach and refused to sack him and instead want him to continue in post. However, he could be handed a substantial touchline ban by the FA. Eckert has been sent supportive messages from “well-known colleagues” from both Germany and in England. The public view has been less kind as he revealed that some have even sent him death threats. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Eckert was told to stop driving himself by the police Credit: Getty Due to the intensity of the threats, Eckert was advised not to drive himself and even to sit in the back of his car. He told Kicker: “Yes, it could no longer be handled without the police. “I do not want to go into details, only this much: I was advised not to drive myself any more, but to sit in the back of the car instead. “That was very difficult. “It was a situation no coaching course prepares you for. “No training explains how to react when, for security reasons, you are suddenly supposed to sit in the back seat. “As I said, it was very difficult.” Eckert has been charged by the FA with acting in an improper manner and bringing football into disrepute. Southampton start their Championship season on -4 points Credit: Getty He has still been taking training and preparing Southampton for the new season with the aim of promotion to the Premier League. However, he has admitted that the charge is complicating things and hanging over him. He told BBC Radio Solent: “I would be lying if I said that it is not in the back of my mind. “I think that’s true for everyone involved, but the positive thing is I just love the game. I love football – there’s so much to prepare for.” Comment now