Newcastle United have confirmed their plans to pay tribute to club legend Kevin Keegan ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash against Liverpool at St James' Park.
Keegan sadly passed away in July after a battle with stomach cancer and thousands of fans flocked to St James' Park to pay their own personal tributes to an English football legend.
As a player and as a manager, Keegan earned his place in the hearts of Newcastle United fans with his Entertainers side captivating the nation when they almost won the 1995/96 Premier League title.
Tribute match against Liverpool
As fate would have it, Liverpool are the opponents at St James' Park on Sunday as the 2026/27 Premier League campaign gets under way and Newcastle have now confirmed their plans for the game, urging supporters to get into the ground early in a club statement released on Wednesday.
The statement read: "On Sunday, we will be paying tribute to Kevin Keegan as we host Liverpool in the first match of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The football world was devastated by the news of Kevin's passing in July, and the outpouring of love for one of our greatest players and managers has been remarkable and profound."
"Thousands of supporters created a memorial for Kevin that was seen around the world, reminding everyone of the deep affection held for him in Tyneside and far beyond. At St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon, both clubs will come together to honour Kevin, acknowledging a legendary figure loved by both sets of supporters."
Arrive early, video tribute and stadium display
The club added: "We are asking supporters to arrive early in order to be part of honouring Kevin's life. A video tribute will be played on stadium screens looking back at Kevin's legendary playing and managerial career. There will also be stadium display by Wor Flags that includes home and visiting supporters. On the pitch, a centre-circle mosaic will be laid after the players' warm-ups that is made from shirts left at St. James' Park by supporters in his memory."
"Immediately before kick-off, the players will gather around the centre circle for a minute's applause as we remember Kevin and celebrate his contributions to both clubs. Both teams will warm up wearing shirts dedicated to Kevin, and the teams will wear black armbands during the match."
Former players and family guests
"Kevin's family and a number of former players will be special guests of the club for the match, including members of Kevin's famous Entertainers side. A short private ceremony will be held between both clubs and Kevin's family before kick-off."
The matchday programme will feature Kevin on the cover and contain a range of tributes alongside exclusive features from those who knew him best.
