By Sean Fisher

15th Oct, 2023 | 11:42am

Fans react as Sandro Tonali jets back to Newcastle in tears amid betting scandal - 'Banned for life'

Fans have taken to social media in droves after Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali was caught up in an investigation into illegal betting in Italian football 

As reported by the Guardian, Tonali and teammate Nicolo Zaniolo were both taken out of Italy training on Thursday (12 October) after being informed of allegations.

The two Premier League stars are currently under investigation for betting and were told to go home from training.

According to The Times, Tonali has since flown back to Newcastle via Milan after being left ‘on the verge of tears’ by the accusations.

Should the duo be found guilty of betting breaches, they could face a significant fine and a potential suspension from playing.

Tonali made a £55million move to St James’ Park from AC Milan this summer, and the 23-year-old has become a fan favourite among the Newcastle faithful during his first few months at the club.

After the news broke of Tonali’s allegations, fans were quickly on the scene a X, formerly known as Twitter.

Some supporters were quick to suggest that lifetime bans should be handed out to both Tonali and Zaniolo if found guilty.

Others made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the bans should even be extended to the players’ clubs.

The news of the allegations seems to have some Newcastle fans in particular worried about the potentially ‘horrible’ outcome.

Another Newcastle fan was left ‘clueless’ whether Tonali would face punishment in England or just in Italy…

Some supporters re-directed their anger and frustration towards the ‘wildly hypocritical’ relationship between football and gambling sponsorships.

In other news, Newcastle United open Joelinton talks as signing blizzard accelerates