Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has been spotted “grafting” while serving his 10-month gambling ban, in a move that fans have labelled as “most random thing”.
The 23-year-old star, who hasn’t played for the Premier League side since October, was seen working alongside staff at Shepherd Offshore engineers.
Despite being banned by the Italian FA for breaching gambling regulations, the former AC Milan star is still allowed to train but won’t be able to play for Eddie Howe’s team until next season. He was pictured donning a hard hat and high-vis jacket on X, formerly Twitter.
READ MORE: Sandro Tonali’s ban not extended despite new punishment over breaching FA betting rules
READ MORE: Sandro Tonali takes ‘voluntary paycut’ over ‘guilt’ of Newcastle betting ban
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Fans reacted to the unusual sight, with one user posting: “@sandrotonali hard at graft!” And another joking: “Sandro Tonali out here doing side quests.”
Shepherd Offshore has yet to comment on Tonali’s apparent appearance at its site. Last week, the Italy international received a two-year suspended ban after admitting to violating the FA’s betting rules, along with a £20,000 fine and a warning about his conduct, reports the Express.
What do you think of Sandro Tonali being spotted ‘grafting’ during his ban? Let us know in the comments section
(Image: Twitter)
He will only serve this latest ban if he breaches betting rules again.
A spokesperson for Newcastle United chimed in: “As acknowledged by the FA in the independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons, the level of assistance Sandro has provided by self-referring and fully cooperating with a subsequent investigation is extraordinary and unprecedented.
“Sandro made full admissions as to his betting activity, and did so in circumstances where there was no other evidence to support misconduct proceedings.
“Sandro is continuing to follow a therapeutic plan and educational programme with the club’s full support and will continue to train with his teammates.”