SportFootballSouthampton FCSouthampton are at the centre of a Spygate scandal and new damning details have reportedly emerged10:13, 20 May 2026Updated 10:36, 20 May 2026Southampton reportedly dressed up in the colours of club rivals during one of their alleged spying missions. The Saints have been slapped with the most severe of punishments after being expelled from the playoffs days before the final at Wembley.‌Tonda Eckert's side were gearing up to face Hull City for a place in the Premier League in the £200million match. The semi-final triumph over Middlesbrough was overshadowed following the accusation of spying in the build-up to the first-leg, with the Saints later charged, before the independent commission came down hard on the South Coast club, ousting them and reinstating Boro.‌The English Football League (EFL) revealed in their statement on Tuesday that Southampton had been found to be spying on two separate accounts, ahead of their clashes with Oxford United and Ipswich Town respectively.‌The Athletic has claimed that incriminating messages sent by under-fire head coach Eckert to St Mary's analysts were revealed during the hearing.But also, it has been suggested that during their clandestine mission to spy on Ipswich Town, the operation involved disguising themselves in an Eastleigh kit from the National League.‌The hearing had been told that Eckert sent people to spy on their two Championship rivals, ultimately being unhappy with the findings, but in the instance of their clash with the Tractor Boys, they wore kit belonging to The Spitfires when Ipswich had used their training ground in Hampshire.Southampton's legal representation will stand before an appeal board today (May 20) in the hope that they can overturn the decision, while a memo from chief executive Phil Parsons to employees voiced his confidence that they could win their appeal.However, in The Athletic's report, one of the key revelations from Tuesday's hearing was that the WhatsApp messages sent by Eckert to his analysts were particularly damaging to Southampton's case. It was said that two of the club analysts expressed remorse during the hearing but said they were pushed into the spying trips.Article continues belowMeanwhile, it has since been reported that Eckert is under threat of being sacked from his head coach position, as well as an Football Association (FA) fine, in light of the scandal. The German argued during his evidence that he was unaware of the rules in England regarding spying as it was widespread in European football.Southampton have been approached for comment.There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepageChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌WhatsAppSouthampton FCMiddlesbrough FC