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.
