Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has pleaded for the authorities to go easy on Sandro Tonali after he was charged with allegedly breaching betting rules.
The midfielder is already serving a 10-month ban handed out by the Italian Football Federation and has now been charged with alleged offences by the English FA.
Tonali was given a ban last October for breaking betting rules in Italy during his time at Brescia and AC Milan.
FIFA granted the Italian federation's request to have the ban extended worldwide, meaning he would not be available for Newcastle until this August.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has spoken on Sandro Tonali's fresh charges
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But news emerged on Thursday that Tonali had been hit with a new charge relating to the period between August 12 and October 12 last year, after he joined Newcastle.
It is alleged that the 23-year-old breached the FA's betting rules 50 times in that time.
Howe held his press conference on Friday ahead of Newcastle's Premier League match at home to West Ham on Saturday lunchtime.
And Tonali's latest charge was understandably one of the main topics of discussion.
Howe doesn't know if Tonali's ban will be extended but hopes for the player's sake that it won't.
He said: "We don't know is the honest answer - I certainly hope for Sandro that there is no further consequences. 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."
Howe says Newcastle were not surprised by Thursday's charge and claims Tonali has worked hard in recent months to 'deal' with the issue.
He added: "It might have been a surprise externally, but not for us. He is seeking help on a regular basis.
"This is something that will not be going away. He has regular meetings both here and in Italy to deal with it.
"He has trained really well, and his English has improved. He has the support of his team-mates. I am positive about his comeback whenever that is."
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Newcastle have called for Sandro Tonali's ban to not be extended
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The FA confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Tonali was subject to the new charge.
The association said: "Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA's Betting Rules.
"It's alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023.
"Sandro Tonali has until 5 April 2024 to respond."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists Sandro Tonali has been working hard in recent months to change
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Newcastle released their own statement and said they were still fully supportive of Tonali.
It read: "Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.
"Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club's full support.
"Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."
