Newcastle boss Howe: New FA ruling on Tonali the right call

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says the FA's new ban for Sandro Tonali was the right ruling.

The midfielder was given a two-month suspended sentence for gambling this season having received a nine-month ban for bets placed as an AC Milan player.

Howe said, "It was the right decision, I think, that the FA arrived at - that his ban is not extended. Sandro is currently working hard behind the scenes. He has trained very well. As I have said many times, we are still supporting him and helping him as he serves his time.

"I see a small fraction of his life time on the training ground. He has been a good professional and trained very well.

"He is still quiet in the group but that is his personality, that is not a negative, he is just focussed on football. I don't necessarily see what is going on below the surface. I am sure he has had some difficult times, but he has conducted himself in a positive way.

"He has trained at a really good level. He's done a lot of work on his own, a lot of fitness work and gym work. We have worked on his speed, covered lots of different aspects of his game to help him, so he has utilised his time in a positive way."

Howe added: "It was instant. When the whole thing started he was very keen to hold his hands up and help uncover the extent of the problem. He was sorry for what he had done, he admitted he had issues and needed help and I think he deserves credit for that.

"It certainly helped in the process and to deal with what happened. I think that helped him to put it behind him and move into a new phase in his life."