Banned Premier League star spotted ‘grafting’ in hi-vis jacket in ‘most random side quest’

SANDRO TONALI has been pictured appearing to work alongside Shepherd Offshore engineers.

The Newcastle star, 23, has not played for the Toon since October.

Tonali was handed a ten-month ban by the Italian FA for breaching betting regulations.

He has since remained around the team, but cannot play until next season.

In a picture posted today to social media, Tonali could be seen wearing a hi-vis jacket and helmet.

The post said: “@sandrotonali hard at graft.”

Posting the snap, Magpie Media wrote: “Sandro Tonali has been pictured today working alongside Shepherd Offshore engineers on the banks of the River Tyne.

“Keeping himself busy.”

Seeing the snap, one Newcastle fan wrote on social media: “Sandro Tonali out here doing side quests.”

While a second commented: “Most random thing i came across hahaha.”

Another added: “He’s genuinely more Geordie than Longstaff and Burn.”

Shepherd Offshore declined to comment.

Tonali was last week handed a further two-month suspended ban after admitting breaches of FA’s betting rules.

He was also ordered to pay a £20,000 fine and warned regarding his future conduct.

The further two-month ban will only be served if he commits further breaches.

A Newcastle statement read: “NUFC midfielder Sandro Tonali has been given a suspended two-month ban from competitive football by an independent Regulatory Commission after self- declaring breaches of FA Betting Rules.

“He has also been fined £20,000 and warned by the FA as to his future conduct.

“The banning period is fully suspended for the duration of the 2024/25 season, meaning he will be available to return to competitive football upon the conclusion of an existing ten-month sanction imposed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on 27 October 2023.

“Provided that he does not commit any further breach of the FA Betting Rules during the suspension period, Sandro will not serve any part of the two-month sanction.

“As acknowledged by the FA in the independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons, the level of assistance Sandro has provided by self-referring and fully cooperating with a subsequent investigation is extraordinary and unprecedented.

“Sandro made full admissions as to his betting activity, and did so in circumstances where there was no other evidence to support misconduct proceedings.

“Sandro is continuing to follow a therapeutic plan and educational programme with the club’s full support and will continue to train with his team-mates.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk