Sandro Tonali charged by FA for alleged betting guidelines breaches after becoming a member of Newcastle

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct by the Soccer Affiliation for alleged breaches of betting guidelines.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July for £55m.

The FA alleges Tonali broke its guidelines by putting 50 bets on matches between 12 August and 12 October 2023.

Tonali was banned by the FIGC for betting on matches involving his groups Brescia and Milan, and Fifa later granted the Italian federation’s request to have the ban prolonged worldwide.

The FA prices relate to separate allegations throughout Tonali’s time as a Newcastle participant.

“Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules,” the membership mentioned on Thursday.

“Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.”

His present ban means Tonali just isn’t eligible to play once more till August and won’t characteristic at Euro 2024.

The Italy worldwide, who was fined 20,000 euros (£17,380), was initially given an 18-month ban which was decreased after he agreed to participate in an eight-month “therapeutic plan” to assist “recovery from gambling addiction”.

That can embrace Tonali making at the very least 16 public appearances in Italy, the place he shall be anticipated to talk to younger gamers concerning the risks of playing.

Though he’s unable to play in any matches, Tonali can prepare alongside his Newcastle team-mates throughout his ban.

Tonali, who has till 5 April to reply to the FA’s prices, had solely made 12 appearances for Eddie Howe’s aspect earlier than his suspension was imposed.

Final 12 months Brentford striker Ivan Toney was given an eight-month for 232 breaches of the FA’s betting guidelines. He returned in January.

Former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, who says he was a “compulsive gambler” throughout his profession, referred to as Tonali and Toney’s bans a “disgrace”.

“To give people 10-month bans for an addiction that is ravaging football, with sponsorships all over the shirts… They needed help and I don’t think ‘help’ is giving them 10-month bans,” he mentioned.