Tonali gets support from former Liverpool defender after betting 'reality check'
Former Premier League defender Steven Caulker believes that the situation around Sandro Tonali is another "reality check" for football and its relationship with betting.
Tonali is under investigation by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity. On Tuesday, he admitted to betting on AC Milan games that he himself had played in.
Tonali joined Newcastle from Milan for £55million in the summer transfer window. His admission that he had betted on games he was involved in could lead to a lengthy ban, with executives at St James' Park having been caught by surprise.
Caulker, who has battled a gambling addiction, has now sympathised with Tonali's situation. And he insisted that it should be a wake-up call for the sport, with advertisements for betting companies commonplace at stadiums.
"I think that this situation is another, I want to say reality check of the issues that footballers as individuals are facing and football clubs collectively are facing because it's only growing," the former Tottenham, Cardiff, QPR, Southampton and Liverpool defender told Sky Sports News.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"I've been in the game 15 years now, we've always played it on the back of buses on the way to away games. But it's becoming more and more high-profile, bigger stakes are being placed and unfortunately bans are then being handed out.
"I think it's really, really tough on the individual because we're in an industry where we're surrounded by betting, it's everywhere. While you're on the pitch you've got 32Red and Bet365 running alongside the pitch and it's hard to escape and I really feel for Tonali."
Former Liverpool star Steven Caulker has sympathised with Tonali's situation (YouTube/"HANDLE")Newcastle confirmed they are aware of the situation on Wednesday, with Tonali potentially risking a three-year ban. He is co-operating with the investigation though, which would likely mean he faces a lesser ban.
Tonali was interviewed by police last Thursday at Italy's Coverciano training base and was released by the national team's set-up. On Tuesday, the 23-year-old's agent Beppe Riso claimed the midfielder has been battling an addiction to gambling.
“Sandro is a bit shaken up by the situation. But he’s already started to fight back. Sandro is a fighter. The biggest game has started against an illness. Sandro is used to big games and usually he wins them," Riso said.
"Sandro’s experience will save the lives of other kids. I’d like to thank Newcastle. They have always been by Sandro’s side. He is training and could play on Saturday. He’s realised he has to face up to this problem. The club is absolutely by his side.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
