Newcastle United should be spared criticism for not knowing about Sandro Tonali's gambling addiction because it is 'difficult' to find out about such a 'hidden' habit. Whitbread, in his role, helps football clubs do remarkably detailed due diligence on prospective signings. That is why the Italian Football Federation's subsequent investigation and 10-month ban came as a particular shock as Tonali's gambling struggles had not been flagged. but the sporting director admitted 'it's a tricky one what you can and can't know about people in this world'. Whitbread, for his part, echoed those sentiments because this was 'not the old days of footballers going down to the bookies'.

Source: Metro January 17, 2024 12:37 UTC