Newcastle United vs. AC Milan in the Champions League should be a special night for Sandro Tonali.
The reverse fixture was special for the midfielder, as he received a wonderful ovation from the home crowd on his return to the San Siro.
Sandro Tonali left AC Milan to join Newcastle United in the summer, and his first few months on Tyneside have been a rollercoaster.
His incredible debut was followed by some tougher moments in black and white, and then came his ban.
After being investigated for betting by the Italian Football Federation, Tonali is now suspended until August 2024. It means he will miss tonight’s game and will instead have to watch from the stands as his new club takes on his old club.
Being without Tonali for the rest of the season is a massive shame, but he is at least still able to train with the rest of his teammates. He is still part of the group as he serves his suspension, and a new report from the Athletic has shared how he is viewed by the Newcastle dressing room.
Photo by James Gill
Newcastle players have shown their support to Sandro Tonali
According to the Athletic, the Newcastle players have rallied around Tonali since the situation surrounding his gambling came to light.
They add that there is ‘no anger or irritation’ towards the 23-year-old, despite him suddenly being unable to play.
It is great to hear that the Toon players have offered their support to Tonali, but it is no surprise. All they can do is bring him back and show him the compassion he needs during what must be an incredibly difficult period in his life.
It is an unprecedented situation, and one that has had a massive impact on Newcastle’s season. They have lost their biggest signing of the summer and are now going to have to replace him when the January transfer window opens.
But there was nothing the magpies could do about it. It is just a shame that it has happened and that Tonali has been struggling with this addiction.
But he will be getting the help he needs, while the fact he can still train with Newcastle is a massive positive. He truly will be like a new signing when he is allowed to play again at the beginning of next season.
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