Newcastle United and Liverpool are in discussions over a tribute to Kevin Keegan before their Premier League opener at St James' Park.
The two clubs will face each other in the opening match of their 2026-27 season on Sunday, 23 August (16:30 BST), just days after Keegan's passing at the age of 75. Keegan is revered at both clubs, having enjoyed legendary spells as a player with Liverpool and as both player and manager at Newcastle.
Keegan's legacy at Newcastle is still deeply felt, with his 1992-93 promotion and 1995-96 second-place finish still remembered fondly by fans. The Tyneside club has announced that it will work closely with supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and Wor Flags, as well as the Premier League, to shape tributes to the former manager.
A minute's silence will be observed before Eddie Howe's side take on Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg on 15 and 16 August at St James' Park, with Keegan's photo displayed on screens in the seventh minute – a reference to the number seven shirt he wore as a player. The same tribute will take place when the women's team face Inter Milan on 16 August.
Newcastle has also announced that its men's, women's and under-21 sides will wear black armbands during their pre-season matches to honour Keegan, who guided the club to Premier League promotion in 1992-93 and second place in 1995-96. The club will consult Keegan's family on plans for a permanent tribute.
Keegan's time at Newcastle was marked by highs and lows, but his impact on the club remains significant. As a player, he spent two seasons at the club from 1982, while his return as manager 10 years later brought further success, including promotion to the Premier League.
Newcastle's decision to pay tribute to Keegan reflects the high esteem in which he is held by fans and players alike. The club's efforts to ensure Keegan's memory is marked fittingly before the game are a testament to the enduring legacy of a football legend.
In the coming days, fans will gather at St James' Park to pay their respects to Keegan, with the Premier League opener against Liverpool set to be an emotional occasion. The tribute will be a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the club and the sport as a whole.
Source: BBC Sports