Liverpool and Newcastle United paid tribute to the late Kevin Keegan at St James' Park before the kick-off in their opening Premier League match of the new season.
Mosaic and Shirt Tributes
A mosaic made up of 500 shirts laid by Newcastle United supporters outside St James' Park in tribute to Keegan was unveiled in the centre circle before Liverpool played the Magpies. Inside the home dressing room, Newcastle hung one of their replica away shirts with the number seven and 'Keegan' on the back between Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar's places.
Fans of both teams turned up wearing shirts with Keegan's number and surname on the reverse, and merchandise in remembrance was being sold outside St James' Park, including half-and-half scarves.
Wreaths and Messages
Ian Rush and Sir Kenny Dalglish, as well as Newcastle legends Bobby Moncur and Shola Ameobi, laid wreaths in Newcastle's on-site memorial garden earlier on Sunday. Liverpool's message reads: "From all of us at Liverpool Football Club. YNWA Kevin." Newcastle's says: "Forever a Newcastle United legend and always in our thoughts. RIP Kevin."
A greyscale photo of Keegan features on the front of the matchday programme, and a letter from his family features inside, thanking Newcastle for their love. The same message was also printed out and attached to seats inside the stadium.
Family Letter
It reads: "Dear Newcastle United fans and the incredible city of Newcastle. The past couple of weeks have been some of the hardest that our family has endured, saying goodbye to our husband, father, and grandfather, Kevin."
"Despite living outside of the region, your love and warmth from the North East has reached our hearts and filled us with so much comfort during these difficult days. The empathy, compassion and warmth of this extraordinary club and community have shone through; the outpouring of love has been truly overwhelming."
"Having seen the tributes outside St. James' Park, members of our family came home to Newcastle to see the memorials in person. The sea of black and white shirts and scarves, alongside colours from so many other clubs, reminded us how much Kevin meant to the footballing world."
"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. It also allowed us a quiet moment to reflect on many fond memories of Kevin's incredible career and the incomparable bond he shared with Newcastle."
"Your football club, city, and community show a passion that truly embodied Kevin as a footballer, manager, and family man. We will be eternally grateful for the adoration and strength you have given our family when we needed it most."
"Newcastle, thank you for your love. The Keegan Family."
