Sandro Tonali hit with new charge over alleged betting breaches as Newcastle release statement

Sandro Tonali hit with new charge over alleged betting breaches as Newcastle release statement

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Newcastle star Sandro Tonali hit with new charge

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 28/03/2024

- 14:17

Updated: 28/03/2024

- 14:46

The Italy international only moved to St James' Park back in the summer

The FA have charged Sandro Tonali for allegedly breaching betting rules during his time at Newcastle, with the midfielder still suspended.

Tonali was banned back in October for breaking betting regulations, with the Italian Football Federation confirming his punishment of a 10-month ban.


Now, however, a statement from the FA have confirmed Tonali has been hit with a fresh charge.

"Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA's Betting Rules," said a spokesperson.

Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali has been hit with a new charge relating to alleged betting breaches

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"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 2024 to respond."

Newcastle signed Tonali on July 3, with the midfielder touching down from Serie A giants AC Milan.

That means the current charges relate to his time on Tyneside, though it's currently unclear what matches the 23-year-old is alleged to have bet on.

Newcastle have released their own statement in the wake of the new allegations against Tonali.

They say they're unable to offer comment at the current moment in time.

And they also claim Tonali is fully complying with the FA's investigation.

"Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules," the club said.

"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."

Tonali, if he admits the charge or is adjudged to have broken the rules, could be set for another ban.

The midfielder had made just 12 appearances for Newcastle, scoring once, prior to being suspended earlier in the season.

Tonali is the second most expensive signing in the Toon's entire history, with only Alexander Isak costing more.

The 23-year-old made his name at Brescia before moving to Milan in 2020.

After an impressive loan spell at the San Siro he earned a permanent move the following year and helped the club reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last term.

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Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali only joined Newcastle from AC Milan back in the summer transfer window

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Newcastle then recruited him in the summer, with Eddie Howe a key factor in the deal.

Back in October, Howe revealed Newcastle were committed to Tonali for the long term - with the Englishman also saying they would 'throw their arms around' the player.

“I see the person, I see the human, I see the pain and distress,” Howe said.

“That’s why my thoughts are always with the player and making sure we look after him.

"Sandro loves the game and is absolutely devastated.

Sandro Tonali Newcastle Eddie Howe

Sandro Tonali has the support of Newcastle with the midfielder currently banned until August

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“His thoughts are with us and our thoughts are with him.

"Hopefully between us we can make it work. The most important thing is Sandro and his welfare.

"It’s very easy for people to forget how young he is, the changes he’s had in his life coming from Italy to England. Footballers are human beings.”

Tonali, as things stand, is banned until August.

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