Sandro Tonali and Jack Grealish were booked in the second half of Saturday’s Premier League match between Newcastle and Manchester City following an off-the-ball scuffle. Here’s what happened.
Italy midfielder Tonali started in Saturday’s 1-1 draw between his Newcastle side and Manchester City.
He and Grealish were booked at minute 64 following an off-the-ball scuffle, but the confrontation had already started in the first half.
The Italian midfielder went down after being elbowed by the England international, urging the referee at the pitchside monitor. However, the official quickly waved to play on, and Ally McCoist blamed Tonali on TNT Sports Comms for his overreaction.
It wasn’t the end of the story, given that the dispute between Tonali and Grealish continued after the break, leading to a yellow card for both players. Grealish hit Tonali while trying to get on the ball, and the Italian midfielder reacted by pushing his opponent away.
Tonali was subbed off at minute 78.
The former Milan star recently returned to action after a 10-month ban for illegal betting and played two games for the Italian national team during the September break.