What Newcastle fans did to Sandro Tonali after Nottingham Forest win speaks volumes

What Newcastle United fans did to Sandro Tonali after their victory over Nottingham Forest speaks volumes.

On Wednesday night, the Magpies welcomed back Italian midfielder Tonali after his 10-month suspension ended.

Manager Eddie Howe threw the 24-year-old straight back into the starting XI and he played a role in his team’s first goal, scored by Joe Willock.

Tonali was eventually brought off in the 62nd minute, replaced by Sean Longstaff, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout to seal Newcastle’s place in the next round.

After the match, it was reported that Newcastle fans serenaded Tonali after his more than decent return to football.

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope wrote on social media: “Sandro Tonali serenaded by NUFC fans after a victory that cannot be underestimated for its significance in shaping the mood around the club coming out of the summer.”

Speaking about Tonali after the match, Magpies boss Howe said: “I thought he did well. He was involved in some lovely little passages of play.

“I thought he did well fitness-wise considering the lack of match action he’s had. I think he can be really pleased with the reception he got from the Newcastle supporters at the end.

“It was [a wholesome moment]. You could see the amount of Italian flags in the crowd and that embrace with the supporters, there was a lot of emotion coming out from Sandro’s side and of course from the supporters back. That connection is so important for any player and he will be hugely boosted by that.”

He added: “I’m sure he’ll have been emotional before the game. I think he was suffering from a bit of sickness at that moment, not sure what happened there and why he was feeling a bit below his best but it was a great day for him, a great return and a positive result.

“I think we have to make the right decision for the team first. Sandro is a top-quality player and we’ll try and make the right decision. He had a real lack of football work so I think he’ll be a little bit short of his best levels. Hopefully we can get him back to his best levels as quickly as possible. He’s got a massive part to play for us.”