Sandro Tonali handed ‘great’ reception at Newcastle United after ’emotional’ Eddie Howe call

Sandro Tonali was introduced as a substitute in Newcastle United’s comfortable home victory over Crystal Palace with the threat of a long-term ban looming

Paul Merson was pleased to see Sandro Tonali receive a ‘great reception’ from Newcastle United fans with a long-term ban looming. The Italy international was introduced as a substitute as the Magpies eased to a comfortable home win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Tonali’s eligibility for the latest Premier League encounter had been in doubt in the build-up, with the former AC Milan star expected to be ruled out for the foreseeable future. The 23-year-old is one of several Italian players at the centre of an investigation into illegal betting, with a potential punishment of a year-long ban.

Tonali was brought on from the bench as part of a quadruple change in the 69th minute with Eddie Howe’s side already ahead by four goals. The head coach urged the midfielder to lead the team’s traditional post-match lap of the pitch, and Merson has hailed the Toon Army for showing the summer signing support.

He told Sky Sports: “He got a great reception, Geordie fans stick with their players, they gave him a great reception and rightly so. For me, he didn’t too much when he came on if I’m being honest.

“The game was so quick and fast, Newcastle had already won the game. Palace weren’t great, Rak-Sakyi who came on for the last 20 minutes did more than a lot of them had done in 90.

“For him, he can come off with his head held high. I thought Ward tried his hardest, and Guehi made a mistake but him and Andersen were otherwise solid. Mitchell struggled down the left, he was overwhelmed and didn’t get the help he deserved.”