Newcastle publish Sandro Tonali statement with club executives 'stunned' by AC Milan illegal betting reports

Newcastle have released an official club statement on the illegal betting investigation involving their midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Tonali and Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo were questioned by police on Thursday, and were subsequently withdrawn from Italian national team duties during the ongoing international break.

The midfielder was involved in a hearing with Italian federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chine on Tuesday.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tonali admitted that he had bet on matches involving AC Milan.

It is claimed that the midfielder's actions would not be classed as sporting misconduct as he is said to have bet on Milan to win games when he was not named in the squad. SPORTbible has contacted Tonali's representatives for comment.

The Italian played for Milan between 2020 and 2023 before joining Newcastle in a £52 million move earlier this year.

His agent, Giuseppe Riso, had earlier confirmed in a statement that Tonali was battling a gambling addiction.

He said: "Sandro suffers of gambling addiction. He's fighting to avoid that and I'm sure he will win this difficult game.

"He's sad, still in shock. I'd like to thank Newcastle as they're supporting Sandro. He's training, he could feature on Saturday.

"I hope this gambling addiction issue will help to save Sandro's life as well as many other young guys affected by the same problem. Sandro understood that he has to focus on this issue and face up to the gambling addiction with a strong, determined approach."

Now, Newcastle have broken their silence, after The Guardian claimed they were 'stunned' at reports that Tonali had bet on matches involving his former team.

In a club statement, the Magpies have said: "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."

Tonali will be allowed to play for Newcastle in their Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday while the investigation is ongoing.

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