Shinji Ono makes it a happy home return

Shinji Ono enjoyed a happy home return when his club Urawa Reds beat Jubilo Iwata 3-1 yesterday in front of 57,000 fans at the Saitama Stadium.

Ono was making his first home appearance since returning to the Reds after four and a half years at Dutch club Feyenoord.

Shinji Ono’s day was made extra special when Reds boss Guido Buchwald substituted him seven minutes from time to allow the Urawa faithful to give their “prodigal son” a standing ovation as he trotted off the pitch.