EDDIE'S PLEA: GO EASY ON TONALI

Howe fears extension to Italian's current bets ban

- SIMON BIRD

EDDIE HOWE has pleaded with the FA to spare Sandro Tonali an extension to his 10-month ban - insisting he has an illness and will have suffered enough.

The Newcastle boss reacted to the FA charging the Italy international with misconduct for 50 alleged betting offences, by insisting the best thing for Tonali's recovery from a gambling addiction is to be playing again in August.

Howe admits an extension to the penalty imposed by the Italian authorities is still a possibility, which could impact Toon well into next season.

But Howe warned: "I will be hugely disappointed if that ban was extended. I certainly hope for Sandro there are no further consequences. We hope, we certainly hope strongly for Sandro, that will be the case.

"We don't have any specific information to say there is clarity on it.

"He has suffered during this period, he has sought help, he's been very honest, he has admitted he has an issue.