Italy international Sandro Tonali was given a warm welcome back to St James’ Park by Newcastle United fans after his ban for breaching betting rules.
The midfielder was given a 10-month ban on October 26, 2023 for placing numerous bets on football matches, including ones his team was involved in.
The punishment would’ve been far more serious if he had bet on anything but a victory, but he was also given eight months probation transformed to gambling rehabilitation courses.
Tonali ready to restart career with Newcastle
It forced him to miss EURO 2024 with Italy, but Tonali is back on the Newcastle United bench for today’s game against Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park.
He had already made his first appearance back on August 28 against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, but this is his first game on home turf.
Tonali has also been called up for Italy’s Nations League fixtures against France and Israel on September 6 and 9.
His transfer from Milan to Newcastle in July 2023 was reported to be worth €70m, making him the most expensive Italian player in history.
Nobody tell the Magpies that Tonali isn’t technically from Milano, but the wider Lombardy area.
After 316 days of a ban, #NUFC & @worflags welcome Sandro Tonali back to St James’ Park the best way they know; with the Blaydon Races & a magnificent flag display. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/V7N5AUZR9n
— Andy Sixsmith (@SixsmithTV) September 1, 2024
Sandro ole, ole, ole 🇮🇹🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/QB8NH66JZ9
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 1, 2024
Fair play Newcastle fans 👏😅#BBCFootball #NEWTOT pic.twitter.com/39dEcWelCb
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 1, 2024
Sandro Tonali comes on to make his first Premier League appearance after 316 days 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/bAfQAnhbGm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 1, 2024