Italian Serie A football club AS Roma has come out in support of two of its players caught up in the ongoing illegal betting row in the country.
Reports have emerged suggesting Stephan El Shaarawy and Nicola Zalewski have taken part in illegal gambling activities. Both players currently play their club football with AS Roma.
The players have both denied the allegations in separate statements. AS Roma has now also put out its own statement backing the accounts of both El Shaarawy and Zalewski.
“In reference to the rumours spread in recent days regarding the alleged involvement of some of its members in the investigation relating to football betting, AS Roma expresses its full support towards Nicola Zalewski and Stephan El Shaarawy, victims of repeated speculation that have unfairly damaged the image,” AS Roma said.
“The club has total faith in Nicola and Stephan when they say they have nothing to do with this matter.”
El Shaarawy was included in the most recent Italian national tea..