Newcastle fans in classy Elliot Anderson tribute as Nottingham Forest star makes St James' Park return

Newcastle United fans showed their respect for Elliot Anderson on the Nottingham Forest star's first return to St James' Park.

The Magpies reluctantly sold homegrown talent Anderson, 22, to their Premier League rivals in the summer to adhere to PSR and avoid a potential points punishment. Lifelong fan Anderson - who snubbed Scotland by pledging his international allegiances to England - admitted the shock departure came out of the blue as he planned to continue playing for his boyhood club.

But the £35million capture has proved his worth at Champions League-chasing Forest, playing an integral role under Nuno Espirito Santo. Anderson was outstanding again for the Reds as he returned to his old stomping ground for the first time since his emotional exit.

However, despite taking an early lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi, it turned out to be a horror first-half for Forest as they shipped four goals before the break. The visitors did improve after the interval as goals from Nikola Milenkovic and substitute Ryan Yates ensured a nervy ending, but Eddie Howe's men managed to hang on and clinch a priceless three points in their own top-four charge.

Although the result didn't go in their favour, Anderson was Forest's top performer on the day. And Newcastle fans paid a classy tribute to their former academy graduate by rising to their feet and applauding the versatile playmaker off the park as he was replaced by Ibrahim Sangare on the 77th minute.

Commentator Seb Hutchinson said live at the time: "Anderson applauds both the away support and the home support. It's always interesting to see a player who leaves the club and is still appreciated."