Banned Newcastle star Sandro Tonali joins in the celebrations after FA Cup penalty shootout win against Blackburn as the £52m midfielder FaceTimes a fan in the stands

Banned Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali ensured he was part of the team’s celebrations by FaceTiming a fan at Ewood Park following their dramatic penalty shootout win against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Magpies went in front through Anthony Gordon 19 minutes from time, but Sammie Szmodics’ strike eight minutes later forced extra time, and the tie eventually went to penalties.

Martin Dubravka saved two-spot-kicks as Newcastle secured a 4-3 win on penalties to move into the quarter-finals, and Tonali did not want to miss out on the jubilant scenes in the away end at full time.

He FaceTimed a travelling supporter, known as Vocal Hero on X, who later posted a screenshot of Tonali’s beaming face on social media alongside the caption ‘I know someone who enjoyed that’.

Tonali, who signed for Newcastle for £52m from AC Milan last summer, is currently unavailable to Eddie Howe after being handed a 10-month ban for illegal betting in October.

The £52m midfielder is currently serving a 10-month ban for illegal betting

Tonali has become a popular figure on Tyneside, and has regularly attended games during his ban

The 23-year-old made just 12 appearances for the North-East club prior to his suspension, but has still become a popular figure on Tyneside.

Fans have been heard regularly singing about Tonali during matches, and his decision to FaceTime a supporter in the moments after a crucial win suggests he has built a connection with the club despite his continued absence on the pitch.

His ban is due to end in late August, meaning he is set to return in the opening weeks of the 2024-25 season.

However, the FA are currently investigating whether he placed any bets after his move to Newcastle. 

During his time away from the game, Tonali has been working with Newcastle’s head of psychology Dr Ian Mitchell, while a psychiatrist in Rome has said he is treating Tonali for what the star’s agent deemed a ‘gambling-related illness’.

He has also received the backing of the Magpies, including an encouraging video chat with director Amanda Staveley, and has regularly attended matches to watch Newcastle from the stands.

Tonali has still been allowed to train with his team-mates while he serves his ban, and has worked with first team strength and conditioning coach Nick Grantham on his speed and accuracy when running, in the hope that it will make his return to action easier.