In a surprising turn of events, the English Football Association (FA) has confirmed that Sandro Tonali, the Italian midfielder currently playing for Newcastle United, placed four bets on his own team to win in specific matches. The details of these bets have been revealed as follows:
1. Newcastle United vs. Brighton FC or Newcastle United vs. Burnley - September 2023: Tonali placed a bet on Newcastle United to emerge victorious in either of these matches, which took place in September 2023.
2. Accumulator Bet Including Newcastle United vs. Brentford - September 2023: The Italian midfielder included Newcastle's match against Brentford in an accumulator bet, indicating his confidence in his team's performance.
3. Single Bet on Newcastle United vs. Manchester City - September 2023:Tonali placed a solitary bet on Newcastle United to defeat Manchester City, showcasing his belief in the team's ability to triumph against formidable opponents.
4. Accumulator Bet Including Newcastle United vs. West Ham - October 2023: Once again, Tonali included Newcastle's match against West Ham in an accumulator bet, demonstrating his optimism regarding the team's chances of success.
While Sandro Tonali admitted to placing these bets, he stated that he could not recall the exact amount he wagered on each one. However, he assured the FA that the total sum staked would not exceed €10,000.
The revelation of Tonali's betting activities has raised eyebrows within the footballing community, prompting discussions about the implications of players gambling on their own matches. The FA is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure the integrity and fairness of the sport are upheld.
