Newcastle manager Howe says Tonali has 'suffered enough' and hopes for no further ban

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes that midfielder Sandro Tonali has already suffered enough after being charged by for breaching betting rules in England.

The Italian is currently serving a 10-month ban for breaking gambling rules while playing for previous club AC Milan and will not be back in action for Newcastle until August.

And on Thursday, it was revealed that the English Football Association has charged Tonali with misconduct alleging the 23-year-old broke its rules by placing 50 bets on matches between August 12 and October 12, 2023.

In his press conference ahead of Saturday's home Premier League clash with West Ham United, manager Eddie Howe admitted is was unclear whether the Italy international will be hit with a new ban.

“We don't know is the honest answer – I certainly hope for Sandro that there is no further consequences,” said Howe of a player who will also miss out on the Euro 2024 finals this summer. “He has suffered during this period.

“He has seeked [out] help. He has been very honest with us. He has admitted he has an issue. The best thing for Sandro would be for him to resume his career having taken his punishment and learnt a lot of lessons from this.”

Tonali became the most expensive Italian player of all time when he completed his £55 million move to Tyneside in July but has managed just 12 appearances, scoring one goal, due to his suspension.

And while there was surprise when news of his latest charges emerged, Howe admitted the club was aware they were on the horizon.

“It might have been a surprise externally, but not for us,” said Howe, whose team are currently 10th in the Premier League. “He is seeking help on a regular basis.

“It is something that will not be going away. He has