Eddie Howe admits Sandro Tonali is in ‘pain and distress’ amid betting allegations

Eddie Howe has revealed that Sandro Tonali is in pain as he faces investigations into alleged betting offences.

Tonali came off the bench to a warm reception as the Magpies thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 in the Premier League at St James’ Park.

Tonali could be suspended from football for three years after he was implicated in a betting scandal alongside Italy team-mates Nicolo Fagioli and Nicolo Zaniolo.

He could face severe punishment as he reportedly admitted to placing bets on matches involving AC Milan. However, he stresses that he did not play in the games in question.

Eddie Howe sends Sandro Tonali on a lap of honour after their 4-0 win

Tonali, who joined Newcastle from Milan in the summer transfer window, came off the bench to play the final 20 minutes of the Magpies’ 4-0 win against Crystal Palace on home soil. Moreover, he was then at the front of the line as the team circled the field to applaud the fans after the final whistle.

Howe admits that it was his idea to send Tonali in front of the supporters, and was pleased with the crowd’s reaction.

“It sort of came to me when we were doing our walk that I wanted him to be at the front, to see the love closer up,” he said. “So it’s a big thank you from me to our supporters. That reception at the end was incredible and it was emotional.

“Sandro is going through an incredibly emotional time and the supporters reacted how I hoped they would. I could feel the love between him and them, and that will do him the world of good, he’ll feel much better.

“The hardest part is ahead, but it’s great for him to know he’s got the support of the senior management and the supporters, they’re the most important