Newcastle fans warmly welcomed Sandro Tonali back to the pitch as the Italy international made his first appearance after a 10-month betting ban.
Tonali started in Newcastle’s EFL Cup clash against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening, making his first appearance since October 2023. The Italian played for 62 minutes and saw Newcastle win on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
At the away end of the game, Newcastle fans welcomed him back warmly. Travelling supporters chanted his name, and Tonali hugged those in the first row while holding an Italian flag.
Tonali often praised Newcastle fans during his time on the sidelines, including in his most recent interview. “Fans have always been with me,” he said.
“I’ve never been alone, and it’s so important because I had difficulty in the first three months, and now I feel it’s a new time after ten months. This is another point of my life.”
Sandro ole, ole, ole… 🎶🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/5MvhvFgXIw
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 28, 2024