It was lucky Paolo Di Canio was a late call-up to the AC Milan Glorie side to face a Newcastle Legends team for Steve Harper's testimonial.
In a remarkably competitive tie the score finished goal-less, but Di Canio provided enough entertainment for the 50,793 fans who packed St James' Park and were baying for his blood at every touch.
He ran out of the tunnel ahead of kick off to the loudest boo heard at St James' Park since Alan Pardew's men walked off after the 6-0 defeat by Liverpool last season, but the Italian lapped it up and blew kisses to all four stands.