Tonali Gambling Addiction Therapy, Coach: Don't Add More Sentences

JAKARTA - An elegant Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali must undergo gambling addiction therapy. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe hopes the English Football Association (FA) will not turn a blind eye to his condition.

Tonali was charged with violating FA rules number E8 50 times by betting on a three-month football match, namely the period 12 August 2023 to 12 October 2023.

Currently, the former AC Milan player is serving a 10-month ban sentence imposed by the Italian football authorities.

As a result, Tonali, who was brought in from AC Milan worth 69 million US dollars, only made 12 appearances for Newcastle this season. Tonali also has the potential to get a new penalty from the British FA for the gambling offense.

For this reason, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, March 30, Eddie Howe hopes that the FA will consider the condition of Tonali, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in England and Italy.

"The (intendous) illness did not stop when he moved from Italy to England, the disease was still there and people had to look at it like that, don't throw a sentence or punish him further," Howe said as reported by AFP Friday.

"He's seeking help regularly. It's something that won't go away from him, so he's conducting regular counseling in Italy and the UK to solve the problems he's going through," he said.

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso confirmed that Tonali is battling gambling addiction by rehabilitating in England and Italy.

Newcastle is currently 10th in the Premier League standings and will face West Ham at St. James' Park on Saturday.