Sandro Tonali could be slapped with a long-term suspension from football (Picture: Getty)
Paul Merson has sent a classy message to Sandro Tonali amid his reported problems with gambling and feels the midfielder should not face a ban.
The Newcastle United star is currently being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules.
Tonali was one of the players named in an Italian football betting probe last week and he was subsequently dropped from the Italy squad which lost to England.
According to reports, Tonali, who joined Newcastle for £55m this summer, has already admitted to betting on matches involving his former club AC Milan and it is thought that he could be slapped with a long-term suspension from football.
Former Arsenal star and current pundit Merson, though, known for his own troubles with gambling, has issued a strong defence of Tonali and feels that banning footballers for betting offences will only ‘stop people asking for help’.
‘Just want to wish Sandro Tonali all the best from this horrible addiction,’ Merson wrote on Twitter.
‘[I] hope FIFA and everyone else goes easy and to understand this is a illness and to stop throwing out big bans and to help people get help.
‘I understand if someone is playing in a game and is betting on the other team than a ban should imposed but people need HELP.
‘I have had people say to me, ‘Have some will power’ – and I say, ‘Next time you have the s**** stop it with will power’ – by banning people, [it] stops people asking for help, please show some understanding.’
Meanwhile, a Newcastle statement on Wednesday read: ‘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.
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‘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.’
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‘People need HELP!’