Eddie Howe said Sandro Tonali is “devastated and emotional” as he faces a long ban for gambling offences, but the Newcastle manager says he is in line to play against Crystal Palace this weekend.
At a packed press conference at Newcastle’s Little Benton training ground Howe fielded questions for the first time since allegations of illegal gambling emerged in Italy, revealing the Magpies were “shocked” to learn of a probe which could see him banned from playing for a year.
Howe learned via director of football Dan Ashworth about the allegations and said the club have spent the week supporting Tonali, whose agent spoke of his client’s addiction to gambling this week.
Howe refused to be drawn on the extent and nature of his offences and also whether Newcastle are considering legal action against Milan, who sold the Italy international for £52m in the summer.
“I’m sure the club will do what they have to do,” he said when asked about about recourse over the close season signing.
While they await news on Tonali’s possible punishment, he is available to play.
Tonali has trained twice – and trained well, according to Howe – and the Newcastle manager is minded to have him involved against Crystal Palace. He appealed to the Newcastle supporters to vocally back the midfielder, who is being supporter by club staff.
“For me it’s crucial, it’s the most important part of this incident is Sandro and his welfare,” he said.
“It’s easy to forget how young he is, the changes in his life, that’s hard enough and now he has this situation.
“Our first thought was to put our arms round him, protect him, give him love and support to find solutions to the problems he’s had. It’s not just Sandro affected by this, it’s people around him.
“He’s handled himself superbly well. Obviously he’s emotional but he’s handled himself with respect and dignity.”
Howe denied the club felt “angry” with Tonali for the situation.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think we can look at it like that,” he said.
“Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We can’t play that game. We make a decision based on football. Signing the players we think can make the team better and that is what we have done.
“I don’t think there is anger from the club. I think there is understanding for the situation we are in.
“Now we have to make a really tough situation the best we can, navigate our way out of it, support Sandro the best we can and get back to playing football.”
Tonali’s slow start at St James’ Park has been the subject of discourse in the north-east and the Italy midfielder has revealed it has been “difficult” in Newcastle.
But Howe dismissed any suggestion his future lies away from the club.
“That’s not even been discussed because that’s a ‘yes’ on both sides,” he said.
“We will support him and back him and we see him being part of our team for many years, and I know that’s the same back from his side to us.
“There are some things I feel you don’t have to say. We are committed to him long term.”
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