Fans of Newcastle United and Liverpool came together to honour the late Kevin Keegan ahead of their Premier League season opener at St James' Park. Keegan, who passed away in July at 75 after a stage four cancer diagnosis, was a legendary figure at both clubs.
Before kick-off, a large mosaic tribute was displayed across all four sides of St James' Park, featuring 'Keegan 7' in both clubs' colours. Newcastle supporters also unfurled a banner with one of Keegan's quotes: “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 from both teams warmed up in special shirts displaying 'Keegan 7'. A minute's applause followed a video tribute, with chants of “There’s only one Kevin Keegan” echoing around the ground. Several of Keegan’s former Newcastle players, including Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, and David Ginola, were present, alongside members of Keegan’s family. Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush led Liverpool's tributes, laying a wreath outside the stadium. Tributes were also held at Manchester City before their match against Bournemouth.