Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe Supports Sandro Tonali Amid Betting Investigation
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his support for midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is currently under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal betting activity. Howe stated that the club will “throw our arms around” Tonali and prioritize his welfare during this difficult time.
The Italian prosecutor’s office and the Italian football federation (FIGC) are investigating Tonali’s alleged use of illegal betting platforms. Newcastle United confirmed the investigation and stated that Tonali is fully cooperating with the authorities. Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has previously mentioned that the player is battling a gambling “illness.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, Tonali remains eligible to play, and Howe confirmed that he is “very much available” to face Crystal Palace. However, the manager emphasized that supporting Tonali through the process is their main priority.
Howe highlighted the importance of considering Tonali’s age and the significant changes he has experienced, moving from Italy to England. He stated that the club’s immediate response was to provide support, protection, and love to Tonali while helping him find solutions to the problems he is facing.
The manager revealed that he received a call from sporting director Dan Ashworth during the international break, informing him about the investigation. Howe’s immediate concern was Tonali’s well-being, acknowledging that it is a challenging period for the young player.
Reports from Italy suggest that Tonali may seek a plea bargain regarding the accusations of using illegal betting platforms to gamble on football matches. If he chooses this route, it could result in a lengthy ban from professional football. However, these claims have not been verified by The Athletic, and Tonali’s representatives did not respond to inquiries.
When asked about Tonali’s immediate future, Howe admitted that he personally does not have detailed information. He stated that his focus has been on Tonali himself and the team’s training sessions.
In addition to Tonali’s situation, Newcastle United may also face challenges with other players. Alexander Isak, who suffered a knock against West Ham two weeks ago, has not trained with the team and may be unavailable for the upcoming game. Defender Sven Botman is recovering from a knee injury, while Joelinton has returned to training. However, Joe Willock is unlikely to be ready for Saturday’s match.
The article concludes with a link to a deeper analysis of Newcastle’s legal options regarding Tonali’s betting investigation.
In summary, Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are fully supporting Sandro Tonali amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal betting activity. The club’s priority is Tonali’s welfare, and they are providing him with the necessary support and protection during this challenging period. The article also mentions the potential absence of other players due to injuries.