Achi news desk-
Published By: Vivek Ganapathy
Last Updated: March 29, 2024, 6:39 PM IST
United States of America (USA)
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali (Reuters)
The 23-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Milan in a £55million deal in July, played just 12 games for the Magpies before his ban began.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe hopes the FA will show Sandro Tonali some understanding after being hit with a further betting breach charge.
Tonali is currently serving a 10-month ban, handed down by the Italian authorities, for betting on matches during his time with AC Milan.
The 23-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Milan in a £55 million ($69 million) deal in July, played just 12 games for the Magpies before his suspension began.
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He is expected to return from his ban at the start of next season, but could now be hit with a further ban after he breached FA rules 50 times by gambling on matches between August and October last year.
Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has insisted that the player is battling a gambling addiction.
“That sickness didn’t stop when he moved from Italy to England, that sickness was there and people should look at it that way, don’t throw the book at him and let’s punish him even further because I don’t think that arrives. the root of the problem,” Howe said Friday.
“We need to protect all our players because this is something that is open to everyone and is becoming a bigger problem in society, so this is not just a problem for Sandro.”
Tonali’s 18-month ban was reduced by eight months on the condition that he receive treatment for his addiction and has made 16 public appearances in Italy to speak to young players about the dangers of gambling.
But Howe believes he can still be a key player for Newcastle once he gets back on the pitch.
“He regularly seeks help. This is something that will not go away for him, so he has regular meetings in Italy and in England to deal with the problems he has,” added the Newcastle boss.
“I am very positive about his return, whenever that is, he will have a huge impact on the team.”
Tonali’s absence has played its part in a disappointing season for Newcastle.
Any hope of silverware vanished with the FA Cup quarter-final exit to Manchester City in their final outing before the international break.
Howe’s men are 10th in the Premier League but still have a shot at European football next season.
They can close to within one point of seventh-placed West Ham with a win when the Hammers visit St. Paul’s Park. James on Saturday.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
