Newcastle United and Liverpool are discussing plans to mark the memory of former Newcastle and England forward Kevin Keegan ahead of their Premier League opener at St James’ Park on Sunday, 23 August (16:30 BST). Multiple outlets report that Newcastle is in contact with Liverpool “to ensure his memory is marked fittingly before the game,” according to a club statement. The proposed tribute is intended to take place before the match, with details still being worked through as the clubs coordinate their plans.
Keegan, who died at 75 this week, is closely associated with Newcastle. During his final season playing at St James’ Park, he scored 28 goals and provided 13 assists, according to the reported accounts. The tribute is being framed as a joint effort between the two clubs in the build-up to the league fixture, reflecting his standing in both football communities. While the exact form of the homage is not described in the available reports, all sources agree the clubs are communicating to arrange a fitting commemoration before kick-off.
