Liverpool F.C. And Newcastle United united in tribute to legend Kevin Keegan, who played for both clubs, as the teams met for the first time since his death. Keegan's family were in attendance as Newcastle United and Liverpool supporters came together to pay tribute to the former England captain.
The teams met at St James' Park on Sunday, with members of Keegan's family present in the directors' box. A number of Keegan's former players from his memorable first spell in charge of Newcastle, between 1992 and 1997, were also at the game.
Tribute to Keegan
In the warm-up, players from both sides wore Keegan 7 on the back of their shirts, while a centre circle mosaic made up of more than 500 shirts left outside St James' Park following Keegan's death was unfurled in the centre circle a few minutes later.
Emotional minute's applause
A tribute video to Keegan was then played on the big screen before supporters' group Wor Flags unveiled a huge display, which involved every seat in the ground, including Liverpool supporters. The teams and fans then joined together in an emotional minute's applause before the match as 'one Kevin Keegan' rang out from the stands.
Current context
With the new season not yet under way, Liverpool F.C. Is currently 5th in the Premier League, with 60 points from 38 games, and a recent form of DLDLW, having scored 63 goals and conceded 53, with a goal difference of +10, and 25 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race. Keegan's family wrote an open letter in advance of the game to thank supporters for 'filling us with so much comfort during these difficult days' after they previously saw the huge number of tributes left outside the stadium. The sea of black and white shirts and scarves, alongside colours from so many other clubs, reminded them how much Kevin meant to the footballing world, said Keegan's family. It was a sombre moment that reminded us of our pain and loss, yet matched with immense pride and love as we read so many personal and heartfelt messages. Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies, and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile. Seeing these tributes brought those stories to life for Kevin's grandchildren, showing them how deeply their grandfather was loved in return. The tribute to Keegan was a fitting way to remember a legend who played for both Liverpool F.C. And Newcastle United, and will always be remembered as a hero by the fans of both clubs.
