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EPL: Newcastle, Liverpool plan Kevin Keegan tribute ahead of Premier League opener

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Newcastle United and Liverpool plan a tribute to club legend Kevin Keegan before their Premier League opener on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
  • Keegan, who played for both clubs and later managed Newcastle, died at age 75 after battling stage-four cancer.
  • Tributes will include black armbands and a minute's silence, with a special recognition in the seventh minute of the match.

Newcastle United and Liverpool are collaborating to honor club legend Kevin Keegan with a special tribute before their Premier League opening fixture at St James’ Park. The match, scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, will mark the beginning of the new Premier League season.

Keegan, a former England player and manager, passed away at the age of 75 following a battle with stage-four cancer. He enjoyed legendary spells at both Liverpool, where he won three league titles and a European Cup as a player, and Newcastle, where he achieved promotion to the Premier League and a second-place finish as manager.

The tribute will include black armbands for Newcastle's men's, women's, and under-21 teams during pre-season matches. A minute's silence will be held before a friendly against Gateshead, and Keegan's image will be displayed on stadium screens. A specific tribute is planned for the seventh minute of the match, recognizing the iconic number seven shirt he wore during his playing career. The club is consulting with Keegan's family regarding plans for a permanent tribute to celebrate his legacy.

Newcastle United is in communication with Liverpool to ensure Kevin Keegan’s memory is marked fittingly before the game.

— Newcastle UnitedThe club's statement on plans to honor Kevin Keegan.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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