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15:42
28.03.2024

Sandro Tonali is facing another punishment. The Italian midfielder is currently serving a ten-month ban for illegal gambling, but is now facing a new charge. The news was confirmed by his club Newcastle United on Thursday afternoon.

According to the FA, Tonali is said to have placed fifty bets between August 12 and October 12, 2023. “Newcastle United acknowledges that there are charges against Tonali in relation to alleged breaches of the FA Betting Rules,” an official statement from the club said. .

Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules. Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club's full support. Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and… pic.twitter.com/x62qU4hx5A

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 28, 2024

Tonali received his previous suspension because he had engaged in illegal gambling practices at his previous club AC Milan. As a result, he would not play again until August anyway. The 23-year-old midfielder can therefore draw a line through the rest of the season and next summer's European Championship in Germany.

Although Tonali will be disappointed with his previous suspension, the inspector from Lodi still got away fairly well. Initially, there was talk in his native country of a suspension of three to four years, but because Tonali cooperated with the investigation, a years-long suspension has been canceled.

Tonali now has until April 5 to respond to the new allegations. “Sandro continues to cooperate fully with the relevant investigations and we remain fully supportive of him,” said Newcastle, which did not wish to comment further on the matter.

Tonali was seen in Newcastle as the next pillar in the development of the club, which has been in wealthy Saudi hands since 2021. While his arrival was initially considered impossible, he eventually signed a long-term contract. Newcastle only paid more money for Alexander Isak (70 million euros, 2022/23) than for Tonali.

The Italian midfielder played twelve more games for Newcastle at the start of this season before his suspension became official. In those appearances he also scored his first goal for The Magpies. It is not yet known how severe a possible additional suspension will be for Tonali.

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