Stephan El Shaarawy issues emotional response to recent gambling accusations, branding the claims as ‘completely fake’ after scoring a stoppage time winner during Roma’s 1-0 win vs Monza

• Stephan El Shaarawy was accused of an alleged involvement in illegal gambling 
• But the winger has issued a response denying those claims after Roma’s 1-0 win
• He scored a stoppage-time winner to help his side defeat Monza on Sunday

Stephan El Shaarawy has issued an emotional response to recent accusations claiming that he had been involved in illegal gambling activities after he scored a last-minute goal to help Roma beat Monza 1-0 on Sunday. 

According to Gazetta Dello Sport, the 30-year-old had filed a law suit against Italian entrepreneur Fabrizio Corona, who had reportedly made the accusations against the winger. 

Roma had risen to the defence of El Shaarawy and his team-mate Nicola Zalewski, who had also been implicated, but the Italy international spoke out against the claims after scoring the winner against Monza. 

The forward was seen walking from the field after the game, before branding the accusations as ‘completely fake’ in his post-match interview. 

‘I’ve been accused of being involved in the betting scandal by the press… it hurts, it was completely fake,’ he said to Sky Sport Italia.

Stephan El Shaarawy was reduced to tears after scoring a last-minute winner for Roma in their 1-0 win against Monza on Sunday

The Italian has recently been accused of being involved in illegal betting activities 

But after the match, he issued an emotional response to those claims, calling them ‘fake’

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‘I love this sport, I respect football. I’d never do something like that — I feel clean.’

Jose Mourinho was also shown a red card during the match for making multiple ‘crying’ gestures to the opposition bench. 

Mourinho had also spoken in defence of El Shaarawy, stating in a press conference this week: ‘I spoke to my players and I am very calm.’ 

‘They talked to me and I am confident they are honest. They have enough of a rapport with me to tell me the truth, even if it could’ve been bad news. 

‘I trust them. Roma also released an official statement on the situation, so there are no concerns.’

The club’s statement echoed that the manager’s comments, stating that they had ‘total faith’ in El Shaarawy and Zalewski. 

The statement on the club’s website read: ‘In reference to the rumours spread in recent days regarding the alleged involvement of some of its members in the investigation relating to football betting, AS Roma expresses its full support towards Nicola Zalewski and Stephan El Shaarawy, victims of repeated speculation that have unfairly damaged their image.

‘The Club has total faith in Nicola and Stephan when they say they have nothing to do with this matter.’

Mourinho was sent off for making crying gestures towards the Monza bench during the match  

It comes as several other players have been accused of being involved in illegal betting activities

It comes after several other notable figures in the footballing world have been accused of illegal betting activities. 

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was banned from football for seven months after stating that he had breached gambling rules. 

Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali also ‘admitted to gambling on football matches’ with his lawyers now trying to ‘negotiate a plea bargain’ this week amid reports that he could be banned for a year.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney was also given an eight month ban after he pleaded guilty to 232 betting breaches. 

The forward is eligible to return to action in January and has been pictured training at the Bees training ground, with Mail Sport also reporting that he was set to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier in October.  

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