Newcastle to consider all legal options with £52m Sandro Tonali at risk of 12-month ban for illegal betting… as boss Eddie Howe faces big decision over whether to play midfielder this weekend

• Sandro Tonali is set for a ban of at least 12 months for illegal betting 
• The FA have said the midfielder can play against Crystal Palace on Saturday
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Newcastle will consider all of their legal options as they absorb the shock news that summer signing Sandro Tonali is set to be hit with a ban of at least 12 months for illegal betting.

The Football Association are also waiting for confirmation of the punishment handed down by Italian authorities before investigating if any rules have been broken under their jurisdiction.

Reports in Italy claim that Tonali has confessed to betting on Milan while a player at the club, and that carries a suspension of three years.

However, his admission of guilt and willingness to seek treatment for what his agent calls a ‘gambling addiction’ will help to reduce a potential ban. It is also said he did not bet on Milan to lose matches.

Newcastle will review their legal options after receiving the news that Sandro Tonali is set for a year-long ban for illegal betting

Eddie Howe faces a tough choice over whether to include the midfielder in his squad against Crystal Palace on Saturday after the FA said he is free to play 

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Newcastle must now attempt to determine how much Milan and Tonali knew of the investigation into illegal gambling when they paid £52million for the Italy international in July. Head coach Eddie Howe said at the time they were delighted and surprised at being able to strike a deal for Milan’s 23-year-old captain.

Tonali would have known he had broken betting rules and, while Newcastle have said in a statement that they are supporting him and his family, it does raise questions over the club paying a lucrative salary to a player who is set to be suspended for actions before they owned him.

Tonali reportedly admitted to betting on AC Milan while he was a player at the Serie A side 

The Newcastle midfielder met with criminal prosecutors at Turin’s Palace of Justice

The midfielder – who was interrogated by Turin prosecutors for three hours on Tuesday – is now back on Tyneside and the FA say he is free to play at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Howe must make a decision on his physical and mental state, while there is also the moral issue of including a player who has, reportedly, admitted to gambling on his own team.

Newcastle said in a statement: ‘Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.

‘Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support. 

‘Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.’

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