Sandro Tonali: Ibrahimovic Offers Passionate Defence of Newcastle Star After Betting Allegations

• Newcastle star Sandro Tonali is facing allegations of betting on illegal platforms
• The accusations date back to his time in the Italian Serie A with AC Milan
• Retired star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come in defence of his former teammate

Sandro Tonali appears to be in trouble after he was alleged to have placed bets on illegal betting platforms during his time in Italy, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come to his defence.

Tonali was part of the Scudetto-winning squad of AC Milan in the 2021/22 season and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-final in the 2022/23 season.

Per Athletic, he moved to Newcastle United in the summer for a reported €70m, a move that was claimed to have been sanctioned by the club against the player's wish.

As reported by Football Italia, the 23-year-old is being investigated by the Turin Prosecutor for betting on illegal platforms, a case that also involves Nicolo Fagioli and Nicolo Zaniolo.

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Ibrahimovic defends Tonali

The Swede and the Italian were teammates during their time together at AC Milan, and the 42-year-old has come in defence of the young midfielder amidst the ongoing investigation.

Speaking at the Festival dello Sport via Tutto Mercato, he made public pleas for help on behalf of his former teammate.

“I know little about this story, I had never noticed anything strange about him. But you shouldn’t judge before you don’t know everything,” he said.

“If he really is sick of gambling, you have to help him because it’s like a drug. I too have played at the casino because everyone does what he wants with his money. But you have to understand the situation.”

The midfielder risks a worldwide suspension of at least 18 months or up to four years if found guilty of the allegations.

Fans criticise Brentford's sponsor

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on fans criticising Brentford's shirt sponsor after their striker was banned for months over an activity promoted by the company on the front of the shirt.

The club's decision to retain Hollywood Bets as the main shirt sponsor was met with outrage by fans who accused the club of lack of support for the embattled striker.