Newcastle, Liverpool planning Keegan tribute at season opener

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Newcastle United and Liverpool are discussing plans to honour Kevin Keegan before their Premier League season opener at St James’ Park on Sunday, 23 August. The match, scheduled for 16:30 BST, will be the first fixture of the 2026-27 campaign for both clubs. Newcastle said it is in contact with Liverpool to make sure Keegan’s memory is recognised appropriately before kick-off.

Keegan, who died this week aged 75, is regarded as a major figure in the history of both clubs. He played for Liverpool during a highly successful six-year spell in which he won three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup. He later joined Newcastle as a player in 1982 and returned a decade later as manager, leading the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1992-93 and a second-place finish in 1995-96.

According to the BBC, Newcastle will involve supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and Wor Flags, as well as the Premier League, in shaping the tributes. The club also said it will consult Keegan’s family about a permanent tribute.

Other commemorations are planned before the league opener. Newcastle’s men’s, women’s and under-21 teams will wear black armbands in pre-season matches, and a minute’s silence will be held before the men’s friendly at Gateshead. Images of Keegan will also be shown at St James’ Park in the seventh minute of selected August fixtures, a reference to the number seven shirt he wore.