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Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali won't play again in the 2023/24 campaign after being handed a 10-month ban for betting offences.
The Magpies signed Tonali for £55million this past summer from AC Milan, unaware that the Italian midfielder was dealing with a gambling problem. However, earlier this month, it was announced that both Tonali, and Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo were being investigated for betting offences whilst playing in Italy.
Zaniolo and Tonali had been set to take on England whilst away on international duty, but were forced to pull out of Luciano Spalletti's Italy squad when they had their electronic devices seized by police, as well as being questioned. And it has now been announced Tonali will be handed a 10-month ban from football.
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"The FIGC prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement which I have already approved,” the president of the Italian football federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina said. "The agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances."
While Tonali did not bet on his new Premier League team, he has admitted to placing bets on matches he was involved in playing for Milan. The Italian international, who will also miss Euro 2024 should Italy qualify to defend their European crown, was potentially facing a three-year ban. However, negotiations over a plea bargain deal over the course of the last week have seen Tonali handed a 10-month ban.
Additionally, it has also been reported the Newcastle ace will also have to give up £11million in wages too as a result of the betting breaches. Tonali's ban is also the second handed out by the FIGC too following Juventus midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli's seven month suspension for betting.
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The 10-month ban for Tonali means he will return to action for the Magpies come August next year. Unlike some bans for betting, which result in a player being able to take part in zero footballing activities, including being unable to train, it is understood Tonali will be allowed to train at Newcastle's Benton training ground.
Having departed AC Milan back in July, big things had been expected of Tonali on Tyneside, especially after he played a starring role in the Magpies opening day 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa at St. James' Park. However, Eddie Howe's side will now be without Tonali for the remainder of their Premier League and Champions League campaign.
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Injuries on Tyneside are also beginning to mount, making Tonali's suspension even more frustrating for Newcastle. Against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night in their 1-0 Champions League defeat, they lost forward Alexander Isak to a groin injury and Jacob Murphy to a potential dislocated shoulder.
Newcastle are already without Harvey Barnes, whom they bought for £40m from Leicester in the summer, meaning with him sidelined until January, and Tonali suspended, they are currently missing over £90m worth of talent on the pitch.
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