Following an Italian FA inquiry, it was revealed that Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali suffers from a gambling addiction. Following this, fans had their say.
Following the original accusations, Tonali, 23, was cut from the Italy senior squad last week. If the investigation is successful, the midfield player may face a lengthy suspension from football.
The probe has also named Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa and Nicolo Fagioli of Juventus, the latter of whom has already received a seven-month suspension from Italian authorities.
Giuseppe Riso, Tonali’s agent, has disclosed to the Daily Mail (17 October) that the Newcastle man is battling a “gambling problem.”
Although he acknowledged the Magpies’ support, he said his client was “in shock, shaken, and sad.”
The Italian FA has also indicated that the concerned players will receive support following their admissions, according to Sky Sports News (18 October).
Tonali, who reportedly cost Eddie Howe’s team £55 million during the summer transfer window, has made ten appearances and scored one goal for his new team.
Fans quickly made analogies to Ivan Toney, the suspended striker for Brentford, with one supporter saying the English FA had “hung him out to dry.”
One Newcastle supporter called it a “awful look” in response to rumours that Tonali bet on AC Milan while working for the Italian powerhouse.
Despite having a contract through 2028, another fan of the Magpies asserted that the midfielder is unlikely to play for the team ever again.
While one fan said the deal now seemed “iffy,” another slammed Newcastle for failing to conduct their due research prior to the Italian’s high-profile arrival at St James’ Park.
