How Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali ended up in 'away end' at Blackburn Rovers after video call reveal

Sandro Tonali - despite being hundreds of miles from Ewood Park - could not escape Newcastle United supporters’ adulation on Tuesday night.

From the comfort of his home, the Italian was given another dose of Geordie love from the travelling Toon Army. Tonali has not played since October as he is serving a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations.

The midfielder arrived as Newcastle’s marquee summer signing and had barely settled in before being slapped with the setback. He was supposed to be the club’s bold statement to the rest of the division that the Magpies mean business and are - now were - back in the Champions League.

It could have been easy for Newcastle to shun Tonali, with the ensuing injury crisis amplifying his absence. Eddie Howe has been forced to throw young Lewis Miley into the deep end earlier than expected.

Instead, the ban seems to have cemented Toon fans’ bond with a player who has only played 12 games in black and white stripes. The catchy chant of “Sandro, ole ole ole” has become the latest fans’ favourite, echoing from away ends across the country.

Last night, Tonali was given an all-access tour of a Newcastle away day as Howe’s side scraped past Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup. This writer was present in Blackburn when Newcastle fans baulked as an Italian man claimed to be the 23-year-old’s manager and housemate in the men’s toilets.

But one quick FaceTime soon won Toon supporters over. Those intending for an innocuous half-time bladder relief were treated to a personal call from the £55million man.

Inevitably, a chorus of “Sandro, ole ole ole” erupted, with both Italian men now in fits of laughter. Cries of “we miss you Sandro” and well wishes about his recovery were greeted with a thumbs up from the midfielder.

News quickly spread that Tonali’s “manager” was in the building - provoking other interactions with supporters. A hilarious photo on social media showed him on FaceTime again as away fans applauded Newcastle at the full-time whistle.

Ironically, the Blackburn game also marked six months to the day until Tonali can return to action. No doubt the Italian tricolour - a regular fixture at St James’ Park and beyond - will be out in force to welcome back their midfield maestro when that day comes.