Former Premier League footballer Michael Chopra has come out to defend Sandro Tonali.

The Newcastle United and Italy international is set for a lengthy ban from the sport.

Tonali, who signed from AC Milan for the Magpies in the summer, is a gambling addict who had been betting on his own team's games in the past.

Chopra, posting on X, said: "Banning Tonali what's it going to achieve? Will it help him stop betting NO.

“Will it affect his mental health YES. Banning Tonali you're taking away a man's life football is his life.

“Let him train and play and give the man all the help he needs he has and addiction an illness."