Newcastle and Liverpool pay tribute to Kevin Keegan as they say goodbye to football legend at Premier League clash

NEWCASTLE and Liverpool came together with a touching tribute to legendary football star Kevin Keegan. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner died last month after a brave battle with stomach cancer. Liverpool and Newcastle United paid tribute to Kevin Keegan ahead of their Premier League opener Credit: Michelle Mercer Kenny Dalglish, Shola Ameobi and Bobby Moncur were among the names to lay wreaths outside the ground Credit: PA Keegan passed away last month surrounded by his loved ones Credit: PA Keegan leaves a lasting legacy in the English game Credit: EPA Follow the latest updates from Newcastle vs Liverpool on our live blog here He had been diagnosed with stage four cancer in January after visiting the hospital for abdominal problems. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! He passed away surrounded by family at the age of 75, kicking off waves of tributes around the country. And now Liverpool and the Magpies, both of whom he became a legend for in his playing days, jointly expressed their condolences ahead of their Prem opener on Sunday. Kenny Dalglish was among the stars to lay a wreath down outside the stadium in honour of he fellow Liverpool legend. St James’ Park itself was filled with handouts featuring Keegan’s name and a heartfelt message from his family. The stands were also decorated so as to feature his name when empty ahead of the match. And the matchday program was dedicated to him, featuring a snap of him as Newcastle manager on the cover. Most read in Sport Fans paid tribute to the icon outside the ground Credit: Reuters The celebration of his memory extended beyond the competition of the match Credit: Shutterstock Editorial While the club organised some classy touches for every seat in the house Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Fans were given a handout with Keegan’s name featuring a letter from his family Credit: Reuters The Keegan family released a letter to fans before the match that read: “Dear Newcastle United fans and the incredible city of Newcastle. “The past couple of weeks have been some of the hardest that our family has endured, saying goodbye to our husband, father, and grandfather, Kevin. “Despite living outside of the region, your love and warmth from the North East has reached our hearts and filled us with so much comfort during these difficult days. “The empathy, compassion and warmth of this extraordinary club and community have shone through; the outpouring of love has been truly overwhelming. “Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies, and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile. “Seeing these tributes brought those stories to life for Kevin’s grandchildren, showing them how deeply their grandfather was loved in return. “It also allowed us a quiet moment to reflect on many fond memories of Kevin’s incredible career and the incomparable bond he shared with Newcastle. “Your football club, city, and community show a passion that truly embodied Kevin as a footballer, manager, and family man. We will be eternally grateful for the adoration and strength you have given our family when we needed it most.” Newcastle decorated their stadium with a message spelling out his name Credit: EPA Manchester City also remember the star ahead of their Bournemouth match Credit: AP Manchester City also offered their condolences ahead of their Prem opener with Bournemouth at the Etihad. Keegan managed the Citizens for four years in the early 2000s, finishing top of the second tier to earn the side promotion back to the Prem. Keegan made 230 league appearances for the Reds between 1971 and 1977, winning three first division titles and a European Cup. He found himself in his native North East a few years later with Newcastle, where he would score 48 times in 78 league appearances in the early 80s. But he is just as fondly remembered for his managerial career with the club as he is for his playing days. Eight years after his departure as a player, Keegan returned to kick off his managerial career at St James’ Park, bringing the club back into the top tier under his watch. There they competed against Manchester United for the Premier League title – and though Keegan never secured silverware with the club, he left a lasting legacy. Comment now