'Risible' - Football Association fired Newcastle United warning over Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct by the FA for alleged betting which could see the Newcastle United player face further sanctions in addition to the 10 month ban he’s currently serving.

In a statement the FA said: “Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules. 

“It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023. 

“Sandro Tonali has until 5 April to respond.”

The 23-year-old joined Newcastle United from AC Milan last summer for £55m. This new charge is in addition to those Tonali was found guilty of whilst playing in Italy. 

In a statement, Newcastle United 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 Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."

The Italian’s initial 10-month ban officially began on Friday, 27th October 2023 following charges by the Italian Football Federation.

This would see Tonali return to action from Tuesday, 27th August 2024.

It's fair to say the uncertainty of what happens next has cast a dark cloud over Newcastle United fans.

Many were counting down the days until they got to see Tonali competing in black and white once again.

"From an #NUFC fan’s perspective, obviously the Tonali situation is awful. But it’s risible that English football can be so entrenched in gambling culture and yet so unsympathetic towards addiction to the very thing it seems to have no issue in promoting," wrote one fan.

While another said: "Obviously I’m reasonably biased here but I cannot express how unhelpful it would be for the FA to come for their pound of flesh when Tonali’s already serving a ban and treating his addiction. Who would that serve???"

Many sources are reporting that Newcastle United are not expecting Tonali to get a longer ban and that any punishment will likely run concurrent with the one he is currently serving.

As one fan said: "Let’s hope common sense prevails, the lad has admitted his wrong doings, has been punished and is well into his rehabilitation programme."