Newcastle-Liverpool draw overshadowed by Keegan tributes

Newcastle United and Liverpool paid an emotional tribute to the late Kevin Keegan before playing out a 2-2 draw in the Premier League season opener at St James' Park on August 23, 2026. The match, which marked the first meeting between the clubs since Keegan's death on July 20, was overshadowed by the heartfelt commemorations for the former player and manager who was a legend at both sides. Keegan, who died aged 75 after a battle with stomach cancer, was celebrated with a vast pre-match display. Both teams warmed up in special shirts bearing his name and number. A centre circle mosaic, constructed from more than 500 shirts left by mourners outside the stadium, was unfurled before the game. The supporter group Wor Flags coordinated a stadium-wide tribute, with fans holding cards to spell out "Keegan 7" in the Leazes End, displaying a large tifo of "King Kev" in the East Stand, and raising a banner in the Gallowgate End featuring Keegan's famous quote: "I want people to dream about their football club." Members of Keegan's family, along with former players including Alan Shearer and Rob Lee, watched from the directors' box.