Newcastle United hosts Liverpool with tributes to Kevin Keegan in season opener

Two clubs that Kevin Keegan shaped in profound and lasting ways will share a pitch on August 23, and for once, the rivalry takes a back seat. Newcastle United’s season-opening clash against Liverpool at St James’ Park doubles as a coordinated celebration of the man who became royalty at both grounds, who passed away on July 20 at age 75 after a battle with cancer. The tributes planned are staggering in scale. A 52,000-card salute, tifos, banners, and a mosaic constructed inside the centre circle from the shirts supporters left at St James’ Park in the weeks following Keegan’s death. A stadium-wide farewell Wor Flags, the Newcastle supporter group known for organizing elaborate matchday displays, is behind much of the choreography. The centre-circle mosaic is built from actual shirts, left by grieving Newcastle fans at the ground after news broke of Keegan’s passing. A video montage celebrating Keegan’s time as both player and manager at both clubs will also be shown to the crowd. Liverpool are participating fully in the tribute rather than standing to the side. Why Keegan belonged to both clubs Keegan arrived at Liverpool from Scunthorpe United in 1971 and became central to the clu...