How Newcastle and Liverpool fans are honouring Kevin Keegan at St. James' Park
Once Liverpool's Premier League opener against Newcastle United kicks off, expect a red-hot atmosphere. St James' Park always boasts one of the most partisan crowds in the Premier League. Add in the fact this is Alexander Isak's first return to Tyneside since forcing through his move 12 months ago, suffice to say the Toon Army will be right up for this clash.
However, ahead of kick off both sets of supporters will come together in pay tribute to someone who is considered an all time great by both clubs.
Back on 20 July, Kevin Keegan passed away at the age of 75. He had been battling stage four stomach cancer since last year, and the footballing world came together to unite in their sadness at the news.
Liverpool's statement said the club were "deeply saddened" by the passing of their "legendary" former striker, affectionally known as their "Mighty Mouse". Newcastle United meantime stated that they were "devastated" by the news, adding that Keegan "gave supporters hope and pride", labelling him "one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history".
Thus, widespread tributes will be paid ahead of Sunday's match at St James'. Newcastle United supporters group Wor Flags have organised a full stadium display, which will feature both home and visiting supporters. It is important to stress how rare that is, unless for something like Armistice Day, seeing two fanbases come together, given how tribal football tends to be.
Meantime a "centre-circle mosaic will be laid" after the two sets of players have concluded their warm-ups, while there will also be a minutes applause on the cusp of kick off. Newcastle have invited Keegan's family and members of his legendary entertainers from the mid-90s, that almost won the Premier League in 95/96, will be in attendance too.
As well as being one of the most successful managers the Magpies have ever had, he also played for the club towards the end of his career. The forward scored 49 goals in 85 appearances for Newcastle, having returned to England following three seasons at Hamburg, with whom he won a Bundesliga title, reached the European Cup Final and was awarded two Ballon d'Or.
After beginning his career at Scunthorpe United, Keegan first made a name for himself at Liverpool. He scored 100 goals in 332 outings for the Reds, picking up nine major honours, before joining die Rothosen in 1977 for £500,000, a then British transfer record. He really was one of the greats, loved by everybody, making it perfect that the two English clubs at which he is most beloved will go head-to-head following his sad passing.
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