Tonali, who had made just 12 appearances for his new club when the initial sanction was imposed, will be free to return to action at the end of August. The Magpies boss revealed that Tonali, who earns around £200,000-per-week, insisted on the salary slash as a way to express his regret for his action. Howe said that Tonali’s move to take a pay cut “was something he wanted to do and he felt the guilt after joining a new club”. Howe added: “When this started he was very keen to hold his hands up and help everyone uncover it all.
He was sorry for what he had done. He deserves credit for that and helps him mentally to put him behind it. The ban is not extended and Sandro is working hard behind the scenes and has trained well. We are supporting him as he serves this time.
“I see a fraction of his life. He is a good pro and trains well and is relatively quiet in the group. That is his personality. He is focused on improving his game.
I am sure he has had difficult moments over the last few months. “But I see hunger there all the time. He has done lots of work on his own because he has missed games. Gym work, we have worked on his speed.
The former Bournemouth boss added: “You accidentally put him in the team and then think ‘oh, no I can’t’. “I know what difference he would have made this year. We’d have won more big games.
