Newcastle United and their fans show love and support for Sandro Tonali in what was probably his final game before starting a ban for illegal gambling, while Paul Merson argues the Italian bans are too harsh. ‘This is an illness.’
The Italy international is facing at least a year out after confessing to placing bets on football matches, including Milan games when he was still in their squad.
He has started treatment for gambling addiction and that will help in his plea bargain to reduce the length of the ban.
Tonali was initially on the bench against Crystal Palace, but came on as a substitute for the final 20 minutes, with the crowd chanting his name and holding up a banner that read ‘Forza Tonali.’
The Italian was then given the honour of leading the victory lap at St. James’ Park with his teammates.
It is likely the last time he will be on the field for a year, as the FIGC prosecutor is expected to confirm his ban next week.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Merson, who suffered so badly from addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling that he set up a clinic to help sports figures deal with these issues, has spoken out in Tonali’s defence.
He also warned that Italian football clamp down far too much on illegal gambling and should be more understanding.
“This is an illness, people need to understand that. If he was drinking or taking drugs, he’d be put in a treatment centre and tested.
“With gambling, you just have to stop. Stop putting massive bans out, these people don’t do it on purpose. People think because it’s not putting something in your body, you can just stop it with willpower. You can’t. It doesn’t work like that.
“Get the lad help and get him back playing football. If there is a lad out there struggling with a gambling addiction, how is he going to come out and ask for help? He’ll get a massive ban.
“We need to sit down with people and stop them handing out massive bans.”
It is precisely to avoid gambling becoming a problem that all football players are banned from placing any bets on anything, even blackjack or other sporting events.