Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle response to 'emotional' Sandro Tonali | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has revealed Newcastle’s response to Sandro Tonali following his alleged betting breaches.

The Italy international is one of three players under investigation in his homeland over the scandal alongside Aston Villa loanee Nicolò Zaniolo and Juventus’ Nicolò Fagioli.

Tonali gave evidence at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday which will determine whether he is hit with a similar ban from playing as Fagiola received earlier this week.

As the former Milan midfielder awaits the outcome from the Italian football authorities, Howe has outlined the Magpies’ careful handling of the player.

“For me it’s absolutely crucial. It’s the most important part of this whole incident is Sandro and his welfare,” said Howe

“It’s very easy for people to forget how young he is and the changes he’s had in his life coming from Italy to England. That’s hard enough to deal with and now he has this situation.

“We feel as a football club, straight away, it was throw our arms around him and protect him, give him the love and support that he needs to find solutions to the problems he’s had.

“That’s what we endeavour to do. We’ve had a lot of conversations, a lot of communication with him and his family.

“It’s not just Sandro, it’s the people who are important to him as well. It’s been a big effort from us and he’s handled himself superbly well.

“He’s been obviously emotional but has handled himself with respect and dignity.”

The Newcastle manager also refused to discount Tonali’s involvement for his side’s Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace.

“Sandro has trained well with us. He’s had a very, very difficult couple of weeks. He’s been dealing with a lot,” added Howe.

“From what I can see, I see him for a few hours a day, he’s handling himself really well and he’s dealing with his emotions incredibly strongly, but underneath that I’m sure there’s a lot going on.

“I’ll have to make a call but I always have to bring it back to football. I have to bring it back to his training performances and what he’s delivering on the training pitch and then try and make the best decision for the team.”

Newcastle will aim to extend an unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games when they entertain the Eagles in Saturday’s early kick-off.