Paul Merson has offered a message of support to Sandro Tonali, calling for more help towards footballers suffering with addiction.
Merson, a former gambling addict himself, has urged those at the top of football to ‘go easy’ on the midfielder and ‘show some understanding’ after news emerged that he had been placing bets whilst at AC Milan.
Our summer signing is now expected to be given a lengthy ban. While Merson can ‘understand’ suspensions given certain circumstances, he also stated that ‘people need help’.
Here’s what Merson had to say in a Twitter post on Wednesday afternoon:
‘Just want to wish Sandro Tonali all the best from this horrible addiction and hope FIFA and everyone else goes easy and to understand this is an illness and to stop throwing out big bans and to help people get help.
‘I understand if someone is playing in a game and is betting on the other team than a ban should imposed but people need HELP.
“I have had people say to me ‘have some will power’ and I say ‘next time you have the s**** stop it with will power’…by banning people stops people asking for help please show some understanding.’
Tonali will hopefully be given all the support he needs from the club and not left out in the cold isolated from his teammates and friends.
It was a great gesture from Merson to show his support for the Italian and hopefully encourages support to those struggling.
Sorry to do this, but there’s no such thing as a former addict.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Really good of Merson to acknowledge what Tonali is going through. He’s been through some awful times because of his gambling problems so it’s nice he’s offered his support.
Sharpy17(Quote)