Newcastle United and Liverpool are in discussions to organise a joint commemoration for football icon Kevin Keegan when the two clubs meet for their opening Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season. The match, scheduled for Sunday, 23 August, will take place at St James' Park, a venue deeply connected to Keegan's illustrious career.
Keegan, who passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, was a celebrated figure across British football. He rose to prominence as a player at Liverpool, making 323 appearances between 1971 and 1977. Later, he became a folk hero at Newcastle, first as a player and then across two memorable spells as manager, famously leading the 'Entertainers' in the 1990s. Both clubs have already issued separate tributes following the announcement of his death on Monday.
Newcastle United confirmed the ongoing discussions via a statement on their official website, outlining their commitment to marking Keegan's memory appropriately. The club is consulting with various supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, and Wor Flags, as well as the Premier League, to shape the tributes. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a fitting homage that resonates with fans of both clubs.
In the immediate term, Newcastle's men's, women's, and Under-21 teams will wear black armbands throughout their pre-season campaigns as a mark of respect. A minute's silence is planned before the first-team's match against Gateshead this Saturday. Additionally, during their trip to Bristol City – the club against whom Keegan first managed Newcastle in February 1992 – his image will be displayed on stadium screens in the seventh minute, a nod to his iconic shirt number. Further tributes are expected during the Visit Malta Weekender in August, featuring matches against Bayer Leverkusen, Strasbourg, and Inter Milan.
Beyond these immediate commemorations, Newcastle United is also considering options for a permanent memorial. The club stated it would consult with Keegan's family at an appropriate time before communicating any further plans to supporters. The news of Keegan's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world, with figures like Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledging his immense impact and the excitement he brought to the game, particularly during his time at Newcastle.