Supporters of Newcastle United and Liverpool came together to pay tribute to the late Kevin Keegan ahead of an emotional meeting of two of his former clubs on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Keegan, who passed away in July at the age of 75 after being diagnosed with stage four cancer, was a legendary figure at both clubs and said in one of his final public appearances that he wanted to attend a match at Newcastle’s St James’ Park to say “goodbye”.
Before kick-off all four sides of St James’ Park displayed a large mosaic in tribute of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner. The Newcastle supporters displayed Keegan’s shirt number in black and white, while ‘Keegan’ was shown in red and white in the Liverpool end.
Liverpool and Newcastle fans collaborate for a stunning tifo in tribute of Kevin Keegan (Getty)Newcastle fans unfurled a banner showing one of Keegan’s many powerful quotes, which read: “I want people to dream about their football club. They should. We should all be dreamers at heart. Some people are the opposite and say ‘we can’t do that’, but when you ask them why, they can’t give a reason. Well, I say, ‘Why not?’”
Players of both teams warmed up with special shirts displaying ‘Keegan 7’ while a display of tributes left behind by supporters at St James’ Park was brought together in the centre-circle before kick-off.
Players wore ‘Keegan 7’ shirts while warming up (Reuters)A minute’s applause was also held following a video tribute and several of Keegan’s former players at Newcastle, including Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand and David Ginola, were in attendance along with members of Keegan’s family.
Tears were shed by fans during the pre-match tribute as chants of “There’s only one Kevin Keegan” rang around the ground.
Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush led the Liverpool tributes and were also present at St James’ Park to lay a wreath of red flowers outside of the stadium. There were also tributes at Manchester City, another of Keegan’s former teams, before they played Bournemouth on Sunday.
Kenny Dalglish, Shola Ameobi and Bobby Moncur (right) lay down a wreath of roses in memory of the late Kevin Keegan (PA)The Premier League curtain-raiser was all about to Liverpool and Newcastle club legend (PA)A beloved figure in English football history and one of the country’s first true superstars, Keegan was revered for his playing achievements at Liverpool and later for his leadership and charisma as a manager with Newcastle.
With Liverpool, Keegan formed a key part of Bill Shankly’s first great side, winning three First Division titles, the FA Cup, the European Cup and two Uefa Cups. He left Liverpool in 1977 and joined Hamburg, where he won back-to-back Ballon d’Ors.
As a manager, Keegan’s greatest achievement came at Newcastle as he infused the club and city with a sense of belief after taking over a team that were battling relegation from the second tier of English football.
A tifo of 'King Kev' was displayed before kick-off (PA)Both teams pay respects to the late Keegan with a minute's applause (PA)Keegan not only steered Newcastle back into the Premier League but led the club towards a memorable title challenge with Manchester United in 1995-96 with the side that became known as the “Entertainers”, earning him ‘King Kev’.
Newcastle led the tributes following Keegan’s death in July and said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history. Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.”
Liverpool added: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on.”
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