Match of the Day viewers were left emotional after the show aired a moving tribute to Kevin Keegan, the Newcastle and Liverpool legend who died at the age of 75 last month following a battle with cancer.
Gabby Logan returned to the BBC studio on Sunday (August 23) to review the day's Premier League matches, joined by Danny Murphy and Joe Hart. The show opened with highlights from Newcastle's home game against Liverpool, where a tribute to Keegan took place before the match. Keegan played for both clubs before later managing Newcastle.
Tribute montage airs on BBC
At the start of the programme, Logan said: "We're going to begin at Newcastle at home to Liverpool. Before the game, tributes were paid to a legend at both clubs who sadly passed away this summer."
A heartfelt tribute video was then played, documenting some of Keegan's most memorable moments both on and off the pitch. Clips showed his highs at Liverpool before he made the move to Newcastle. The montage ended with Keegan reflecting on his career, saying: "[It's] very difficult to hold yourself together under circumstances like this, very moving. And I thank everyone for the tremendous way they've seen me off. I hope I'm always their friend and I can tell you one thing, they'll always be my friends up here, thank you very much."
Viewers share emotional reactions
BBC viewers were quick to share their thoughts after watching the tribute, with many left moved by the clip. "The tribute to Kevin Keegan on #MOTD, nice one," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: "As I said. Love #MOTD. The homage to King Kevin was perfect." A third said: "Only just watching Match of the Day, proper tribute to Kevin Keegan that from Newcastle." A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment on Reddit, saying: "Incredibly moving. Great footballer. Great person." Someone else commented: "Nice bloke as well as a great footballer. One of our countries greatest ever players."
Family thank supporters
Keegan's family, who were present at the game in the directors' box, wrote an open letter before the match to thank supporters for leaving tributes outside St James' Park. They thanked fans for "filling us with so much comfort during these difficult days".
"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," the letter added. "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."
Match of the Day is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
