Why Sandro Tonali was stunned by Newcastle supporters as he sends passionate message

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Newcastle United supporters have supported Sandro Tonali through thick and thin.

It has been just over a year since Newcastle signed Sandro Tonali for £55m from AC Milan and already he is a fan favourite among the fanbase.

Sandro Tonali had made a bright start on Tyneside following his big-money move but was struck with a 10-month ban in October 2023 for breaching betting rules.

It was a tricky situation for Tonali, who was still settling down in England, as well as Eddie Howe who was managing Newcastle’s injury crisis at the time.

Tonali’s ban expired in August and he made his Newcastle return in the penalty shootout win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. Newcastle fans were blown away by Tonali on his return.

Sandro Tonali surprised by Newcastle United fans

Tonali’s suspension came at a difficult time for him as a player as well as the club, but not for one single moment did the fans turn their back on him.

There was also a lot of support from inside the club with four players helping Tonali throughout his 10-month absence.

Now a few months on from his return, Tonali has sent a passionate message to fans to thank them for their support.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Tonali said: “Let’s start with thank you. I’ve said it already and I’ll keep saying it for a long time, because the behaviour of Newcastle’s fans was unexpected.

“Here, the fans don’t judge anyone, not a single player. Even when I went to the stadium to watch games or walked around the city, I didn’t feel judged by anyone.

“They would shake my hand; this really struck me, and it was certainly the last thing I expected from Newcastle’s fans at that time.

“Many aspects of my life have changed, but I’m very well, both on and off the field. I think that’s truly the most important thing. My relationships with people have also changed a lot, so these things beyond football make all the difference.”

Sandro Tonali is fighting for a starting spot at Newcastle

If it wasn’t clear just how much Newcastle fans love Tonali, Howe was booed for substituting Tonali against Chelsea last month.

Newcastle’s classy Italian has already made 11 appearances this season, but he is now facing a tricky challenge to regain his starting spot.

READ MORE: Newcastle United’s unsung hero vs Arsenal has given Eddie Howe a £55m headache

Tonali has started on the bench in back-to-back games against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, with Howe preferring a midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff.

There is no doubt that Tonali is very much a part of Newcastle’s long-term plans, but he is currently having to fight for a spot as a regular starter.