23 October 2023 , 16:34
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Paolo Di Canio has called Sandro Tonali "stupid" for betting on matches - telling him "there's no need" to make excuses.
The Italy international, 23, joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a £54million deal in July but now faces a suspension after admitting to gambling on matches - including those involving his former club. He's expected to find out the length of his ban in the coming days.
Tonali's lawyers have travelled to Rome to negotiate a plea bargain. His agent Guiseppe Riso has admitted the midfielder has a gambling addiction. Newcastle hope the Italian Football Federation will go easy on him after Nicolo Fagioli's punishment.
Juventus midfielder Fagioli, who has also admitted to having a gambling addiction, has received a seven-month ban for a similar offence - with a further five months suspended. Yet former Premier League star Di Canio has little sympathy for Tonali or Fagioli.
Di Canio spoke about the betting scandal during a television appearance at the weekend. As quoted by Calciomercato, he said: "Give me a fixed camera. You are idiots! If you bet on football you're empty, you're stupid. There's no need to justify those who bet!"
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Although Tonali has faced criticism, he's also received messages of support. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, who has also battled a gambling addiction, wrote on X: "Just want to wish Sandro Tonali all the best from this horrible addiction."
Merson hopes football's governing bodies "go easy" on Tonali and has urged them to "understand this is a illness and to stop throwing out big bans". Yet he accepts players should receive a ban if they are play in a game and bet on the other team.
Paolo Di Canio doesn't have much sympathy for Tonali (Getty Images)Do you think Sandro Tonali deserves a lengthy ban? Let us know in the comments below!
Tonali's agent Riso believes his client will overcome his addiction. He said: "Sandro is playing his most important game - against betting addiction. He’s in shock, very sad. He has to face this. He is training at the moment. He can play Saturday.
"He knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken. But he understands that he must face the matter with determination. Newcastle have always been close to him. He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it."
Newcastle have offered their support. Manager Eddie Howe said: "As a club we throw our arms around him, protect him and give him love and support. He has been emotional and handled himself with dignity. I see the person, I see the human, I see the pain and the distress.
"I say he’s a top lad and a top character. That’s why my thoughts are always with the player and making sure we look after him."
*If you feel you are struggling with a gambling addiction, please don't suffer in silence. Help and support is available 24/7. Call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133.