Newcastle United and Liverpool are in discussions over a tribute to Kevin Keegan before their Premier League opener at St James' Park on Sunday 23rd August.

Kevin Keegan earned legendary status at Newcastle United during his spells as player and manager Newcastle United and Liverpool are in discussions over a tribute to Kevin Keegan before their Premier League opener at St James' Park. Keegan, who died at the age of 75 this week, is revered at both clubs, having enjoyed legendary spells as a player with Liverpool and as both player and manager at Newcastle. The two clubs are to face each other in the opening match of their 2026-27 season on Sunday, 23 August (16:30 BST). Newcastle said in a statement that it is in communication with Liverpool "to ensure [Keegan's] memory is marked fittingly before the game". The club added they "will work closely with supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and Wor Flags, as well as the Premier League, to shape tributes". Keegan spent two seasons as a Newcastle player from 1982 before returning as their manager 10 years later, while he won three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup during a trophy-laden six years at Liverpool. The Tyneside club also announced its men's, women's and under-21 sides will wear black armbands during their pre-season matches to honour Keegan, who guided the club to Premier League promotion in 1992-93 and second place in 1995-96.