West Ham star Michail Antonio makes emotional return to London Stadium forward of Newcastle sport three months after barely surviving horror automobile accident

West Ham star Michail Antonio made an emotional return to London Stadium as he waved to the crowd ahead of Monday night’s game at home to Newcastle.

In December Antonio was involved in a horror crash that saw him trapped inside his Ferrari for 45 minutes that left him with a broken leg and lucky to be alive.

Antonio hasn’t played for West Ham since the 3-1 defeat to Leicester on December 3.

He recently returned from a 12-day warm weather training programme in Dubai. 

Seeing Antonio in attendance at the game was a heartwarming sight for Hammers supporters.

Antonio joined the club in 2015 and has gone on to play 323 games and score 83 goals while he has provided 40 assists.

Michail Antonio clapped the West Ham crowd ahead of the game against Newcastle

Antonio made his return to London Stadium for the first time since his horror car crash

West Ham boss Graham Potter embraced Antonio ahead of the game against Newcastle

Antonio was introduced pre-match, three months on from his horror car accident

Fans group Alliance unveiled a banner to show their support for Antonio. 

‘Once we became aware that Michail would soon be making his return to the stadium, we launched the crowdfunding campaign and worked with the club to make this possible,’ read an Alliance statement.

‘We are extremely grateful to all supporters who have contributed, allowing the West Ham United family to show Michail how much he means to us.’

West Ham boss Graham Potter, who arrived at the club after the incident, praised the way that Antonio has dealt with the matter.

Potter said: ‘What impressed was the fact that he recognised the situation, the ordeal and the severity of it and reflected on it in a human way, not a footballer way,’ said Potter recently.

‘When you go through something like that it gives you perspective. We’ve had to give him the space he needs because the most important thing is him. The team and the club understands that. We’re here to support him as best we can.

‘Because of the severity of the injury and incident it’s important he takes the time he needs with the medical staff. I wouldn’t want to put a timeframe on a return because it’s not fair to him.’

‘Mich’s recovery is moving in the right direction. I wouldn’t be thinking anything (of a potential return) this side of the international break. It’s not a case of rushing it but it’s certainly positive.’