Fagioli apologizes for ‘naïve error’ after seven-month soccer ban for betting violations

TURIN, Italy: In his first public comments since being implicated in a betting scandal, Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli apologized for a “naive error” and also criticized newspapers for writing what he called was “garbage.”
The statement, via two Instagram stories posted on Wednesday, came the day after Fagioli was banned for seven months by the Italian soccer federation for betting violations. He was also ordered to undergo treatment for a gambling addiction.
“I thought I would start by apologizing not only to Juventus fans but to all fans in the world of soccer and sport for the naive error that I made,” Fagioli wrote.

“But instead I am obliged to start with the garbage that newspapers write about me just to put me in a bad light with thousands of falsehoods ... or maybe better, just to get a couple more views.

I will speak soon.”
Fagioli’s suspension was reduced from the minimum of three years after he admitted to betting on soccer matches — but not those involving his team — and reached a plea bargain with the federation.
The 22-year-old Fagioli, considered one of the country’s top young midfielders, alerted the federation’s prosecutor about the case after Turin prosecutors launched a criminal investigation.
Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport carried excerpts from Fagioli’s deposition by Turin prosecutors. He told them he racked up debts of almost 3 million euros ($3.17 million) and had to borrow from teammates after receiving threats that the people he owed money to would “break (his) legs.”
Fagioli said the worst period was last March and April.