'Full support': Newcastle United release official statement regarding £55m summer signing

Newcastle United has released their official statement regarding the ongoing situation with Sandro Tonali.

It has been almost a week since Newcastle's £55million signing Sandro Tonali was sent home from the Italy camp amid accusations that he participated in illegal betting while playing for AC Milan.

The case has already seen one player, Juventus' Nicolo Fagioli suspended from football for seven months with Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa winger Nicolo Zaniolo also facing lengthy bans.

Some reports claim there are around 40 players involved in the scandal

There are said to be around 40 other players involved in the scandal but as yet there have been no further names mentioned.

Today Newcastle United put out a very brief statement via their website which confirms the allegations and says that the club are supporting him through it all.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.
"Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.
"He and his family will continue to receive the club's full support.
"Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."

Tonali was in Italy yesterday to cooperate with the investigation where he admitted to betting on Milan games while a player there. These actions mean he is exceptionally likely to be smacked with a huge ban from football leaving Newcastle in no-man's land really.

Fans on social media are thankfully keeping it together

Of course everyone on social media is being completely rational about it all and aren't calling for his contract to be terminated, or demanding a refund from AC Milan.

Wait no, that's exactly what's happening. It wouldn't be NUFC Twitter without a complete meltdown.

While the statement from the club read like nothing more than an acknowledgement for the sake of it, it's good to hear that Tonali is being supported and isn't just being cast aside like yesterday's jam.