Sandro Tonali Receives A Warm Reception From Newcastle Fans, As He Is set For 10-month Ban From Football.

Newcastle midfielder, Sandro Tonali received a warm reception from Newcastle United fans as a 10-month ban from football looms, with the Italian authorities ready to confirm his suspension for illegal betting.

Newcastle confirmed that Tonali was being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and the Italian Football Federation in relation to alleged illegal betting activity earlier this month. 

The 23-year-old has admitted to his part in the scandal last week, including betting on football matches involving his former club AC Milan and Brescia during his time at both clubs, which has led to his soon to be confirmed suspension today.

Tonali’s lawyers have been in negotiations with prosecutors and the Italian Football FA over the punishment that will be handed out to the midfielder. As such, an agreement has been reached between the parties.

The Italian star, who joined Newcastle for £55million (€70m) in the summer got a warm reception from the Magpies' fans at St James' Park when he came off the bench as a second-half substitute in his side's 1-0 Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.

It could be his final game for the club before serving his lengthy suspension which could become effective on Thursday.

This means that Tonali will miss the entire remainder of the current 2023/24 season, and also miss early weeks of the 2024-2025 campaign and as well be ruled out of Euro 2024 for his country Italy.

It is believed that he will remain able to train with Eddie Howe's side during his suspension, but will also undergo treatment for a betting addiction that his agent stated the player is suffering from.

Corriere dello Sport reports on Tuesday, that Newcastle reportedly threatened to launch a multimillion-euro lawsuit against Milan when Tonali’s ban comes into effect, furious that their huge summer signing will now be sidelined for the rest of the season.

The midfielder’s salary reportedly around €8m net per season will be suspended. 

This comes in stark contrast to Juventus’ handling of Nicolo Fagioli’s ban, who have decided to pay his full salary and allow him to train with the first team, having been banned for seven months after being implicated in the ongoing betting scandal. 

Newcastle next game is away to Wolves on Saturday, then an EFL Cup round-of 16 meeting with defending champions Man United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, November 1. They host Arsenal afterwards in the Premier League on Nov. 4 before traveling to Germany to take on Dortmund in their next UCL game on Nov. 7.