We’ve been aware for some time that Newcastle United has been influenced by sportswashing. What we hadn’t realized, however, is the extent to which some individuals have been deeply influenced up at St James’ Park. This influence is evident in the way the Saudi-owned club has treated the disgraced midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Tonali has faced the consequences of his involvement in the betting scandal that has rocked Italian football, receiving a 10-month ban on Thursday. This ban not only means he will miss the remainder of the season but also Euro 2024.
Remarkably, Tonali has gained even more popularity among the Newcastle supporters. This is both astonishing and concerning, given that Tonali had deceived the club before joining and has since confessed to cheating.
He failed to disclose his gambling addiction to Newcastle, which led to him placing bets on matches involving both Brescia and AC Milan during his time at those clubs, prior to his £55 million transfer.
Considering that gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, alongside other restrictions, such as homosexuality and women driving, it must be a complex situation for Newcastle owner Mohammed bin Salman, to say the least.
If only the head of recruitment, Steve Nickson had conducted more thorough due diligence, Newcastle might not now be reportedly contemplating legal action against AC Milan for selling them a player who is now banned for the rest of the season. Tonali’s arrival in a league heavily associated with betting sponsorships likely didn’t help matters either.
Gambling has become deeply ingrained in English football, akin to a cancer within the national sport. So, what do Newcastle and their manager, Eddie Howe, decide to do?
Their bright idea is to have Tonali lead his teammates in a post-match lap of honour at St James’ Park so that the Geordie fans can applaud him as if he were a hero.
“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,” said Howe, seemingly lacking awareness. “I could feel the love between him and them – and that will do him the world of good. He’ll feel much better.”
But what benefit will such an act of foolishness bring to those in the audience who may also be struggling with gambling addictions or young individuals considering taking up betting in the future? As far as ideas go, Eddie, this one ranks right up there with adding fuel to a fire.
Tonali needs support alongside the consequences of his actions, not to be turned into some kind of martyr or a role model for others. And those who took to social media to praise the emotional lap of honour by Tonali ought to reconsider. They should cut down on their enthusiasm, as it’s making them look like misguided enthusiasts.
Newcastle used to be a pillar of football, a club with a rich history and tradition, serving as the heart of the entire community. However, there is nothing to be proud of in the way the club has handled the Tonali situation – a problem of their own creation. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. But then again, if people are willing to work for and support the Saudi regime, it’s doubtful they have any sense of shame.
Sandro Tonali
This season he played in total 8 times for 440 minutes for Premier League.
Sandro Tonali scored 1 goal for Newcastle United. He procured no assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 6th in Premier League. In the last match Newcastle United lost 1-0 against Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle United performance and stats
Newcastle United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 16 points.
In the last 9 games, it has won 5 times, drawn once, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Newcastle United won 4-0 against Crystal Palace.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 24 goals and conceding 9.
Newcastle United will play the next match in Premier League against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 28th of October in Wolverhampton. The prediction is Newcastle United winning the match.