WRONGED ex-Newcastle United star Jonas Gutierrez has hit out at his former club, while thanking Magpies fans for their support during his cancer battle.

The Argentinian winger battled testicular cancer from 2013 to 2015, but sued Newcastle for £2million after claiming its management prevented him from playing enough matches to trigger a new one-year contract following his return to action.

Yesterday (Thursday), an employment tribunal found he was ditched because of his illness, ruling in his favour on two of four claims.

Afterwards, the 32-year-old issued a series of tweets, declaring his love for the club and his feelings about the board.

He posted: “I am a Geordie thanks Newcastle fans for your support. I love the city. I hope we stay up. Come on the Toon. Once a Geordie always a Geordie.”

He also said it is “the players not the board” who make a club, adding: “Always in my heart Geordie nation. I love you.”

Gutierrez received a rapturous reception when he returned to the pitch in March 2015, but manager Alan Pardew had already told him he was no longer needed and could leave.

In a 64-page judgement, the tribunal panel said: “We concluded that the reason why the respondent managed the claimant’s selection was because they no longer wanted him at the club because of his cancer.”

In a statement, the club said it was dismayed at the verdict and taking legal advice.

“We recognise that the task facing the tribunal was a difficult one, but we are dismayed by its decision.

“We will now take time to consider the judgement in full and consult with our legal team to understand the options available to us.”

Carol Couse, Gutierrez’s lawyer, said the case demonstrated football was not above the law and clubs must treat their players as they would any other staff.

“Having battled cancer on two occasions and subsequently suffered unfair treatment by the club as a result of this, Jonas is pleased that the employment tribunal has today found in his favour and held that he was indeed discriminated against by Newcastle United due to his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“He wishes to place on record his thanks to all the Newcastle fans who have supported him throughout his case.

“This case demonstrates that football is not above the reach of employment law and clubs should be mindful of their duties to treat their playing staff in the same way as they would treat any other employee.”

Gutierrez joined Newcastle from Real Mallorca in 2008 and played 187 times for the Magpies, scoring 11 goals. He now plays for Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna.