Eckert on FA Spygate hearing: 'I have asked for forgiveness' | OneFootball

Saints head coach Tonda Eckert has spoken before this week's FA hearing into misconduct charges from the spying scandal that saw the club expelled from May's Championship play-offs.

"I had a long meeting with the FA." He was speaking to BBC Sport.

"I talked the FA through everything that happened. Now it's up to them to make a decision."

"We're so long into the process, the FA is going to decide what they decide, and move on. My impression from the hearing was that they listened to me."

"The club received a big, big punishment. I think it's a punishment that is absolutely unheard of in the history of sports. But I've asked for forgiveness for what I've done."

"I've apologised publicly. I think the punishment has been very hard on the club. The rest is not for me to decide."

The FA charged Eckert with misconduct on July 22 over his role in the scandal, and he has admitted authorising spying on three opponents. The hearing is understood to be on Thursday, with any outcome potentially later and open to appeal. He faces possible sanctions including fines and bans from the touchline or football activity.

Owner Dragan Solak has said he would not sack Eckert, though he has also said he would not leave Saints managerless long term if a lengthy suspension is imposed.

Source: Daily Echo

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