Newcastle manager voices support for Sandro Tonali amid betting investigation
Eddie Howe suggests the midfielder’s welfare is the most important thing as he faces investigation in Italy for alleged betting breaches from his time at AC Milan
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has said that Sandro Tonali has handled himself with “respect” and “dignity” amid an investigation in his native Italy for alleged betting breaches.
Newcastle confirmed on Wednesday that Tonali was being questioned by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity during the midfielder’s stint at AC Milan.
Tonali is part of a major investigation by FIGC into betting breaches by players currently ongoing in Italy.
Speaking at the club’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Magpies’ game against Crystal Palace, Howe detailed the support the club has offered the Italian midfielder since the club was informed of the investigation.
Howe said: “We feel as a football club, straight away, it was to throw our arms around him and protect him, to give him the love and support he needs to find solutions to the problems he has.”
“That’s what we’re endeavouring to do with a lot of conversations, a lot of communication with him and his family because it’s not just Sandro.
“It’s been a big effort from us, and I have to say he has handled himself superbly well. He is obviously emotional, but he’s handled himself with respect and dignity.”
Howe added: “’We will support him and back him, and we see him being part of our team for many years, and I know that’s the same back from his side to us. not terribly clear
“There are some things I feel you don’t have to say. We are committed to him long term.”
When asked by reporters whether he knew the status of the investigation, Howe said he was unaware of any developments and was not the person best placed to answer that question.
Earlier this week, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso stated the midfielder was dealing with a gambling addiction.
He said: “Sandro is playing an important game against gambling addiction but he will win this one too. Congratulations to Newcastle, who have always been at Sandro’s side.
“He is in shock, he is shaken and sad. I hope that this experience saves his life and that of many others, that it helps those who fall into his same habit.”
As part of the investigation, Nicolò Fagioli was handed a seven-month ban by the FIGC on Wednesday for betting on football matches.
The 22-year-old was found to have breached Article 24 of the CGS, which prohibits betting on football events organised by the FIGC, UEFA and FIFA.
The Italian was initially issued a 12-month ban and a fine of €12,500 (£10,850).
However, five months of the sentence have since been suspended, with Fagioli to undergo treatment for gambling addiction and undertake community work.