Speculation has been rife of late as to how long Sandro Tonali will be banned from football for if alleged betting irregularities were proven.
Given that Corriere dello Sport are reporting that the Newcastle ace and his team are entering into a plea deal with the Italian authorities, that is proof enough that the player accepts his role in the scandal that has enveloped Italian football.
During a lap of honour after the Magpies 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at the weekend, the Newcastle faithful let the player know where their loyalties are.
In the short space of time that the player has been on Tyneside it’s clear that he has already become a hero for the Toon Army, and to that end, a lengthy ban is going to hit hard.
Corriere dello Sport note that a one year full suspension with six further months of rehabilitation during which Tonali can play is a possibility.
Though any ban would take him through to almost November next year, in the circumstances it’s probably the best that club and player could’ve hoped for.
The issues facing Tonali now are getting to grips with his illness and also keeping up any fitness during the 12 months he doesn’t set foot on a football pitch.