Newcastle United versus Liverpool is usually a game that is full of passion and animosity.
But this time, fans of both clubs are going to put their differences aside – before the game at least – to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan.
Newcastle fan group Wor Flags have announced that they have contacted their opposite number Spion Kop 1906 to organise a display that will unite both sets of fans.
As part of our display on the opening day of our season we plan to involve every seat in the ground.
Knowing how much King Kev means to the fans of both clubs, we’re also including the away end and have been in touch with @spionkop1906 as part of our planning.
A reminder if… pic.twitter.com/hwy0TUI55q
— Wor Flags 🏴🏳 (@worflags) July 27, 2026
A Fitting Tribute to King Kev
This display will be a fitting tribute to Keegan, who was a legend for both clubs.
The 75-year-old died last week after battling cancer.
He started his career at Scunthorpe United in 1968, before moving to Liverpool in 1971.
He became a star at Anfield, making 323 appearances for the Reds and winning three league titles, one European Cup, one FA Cup and two UEFA Cups. He scored 100 goals as part of a strike partnership with John Toshack.
In 1977, he shocked the football world by moving to Hamburg, where he won the Bundesliga and two Ballon D’Ors. He finished his career at Newcastle in 1982 and returned as manager in the 1990s.
It was one of the best eras in Newcastle’s modern history. Keegan saved the club from relegation from the First Division and then took them to the Premier League, where they narrowly missed out on the title.
Wor Flags said of the planned display:
“We’ll be paying tribute to the most important man in Newcastle United’s history at our season opener against Liverpool on Sunday 23rd August.
“As part of our display on the opening day of our season, we plan to involve every seat in the ground.
“Knowing how much King Kev means to the fans of both clubs, we’re also including the away end and have been in touch with @spionkop1906 as part of our planning.”
Tributes have been left at St James’ Park since the news of Keegan’s passing broke, with the outside of the stadium becoming a sea of black and white shirts and flowers.
Newcastle have confirmed that a permanent tribute to Keegan will be discussed with his family “at the appropriate time”.
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Caroline Dowse
Caroline is the Newcastle United writer for Vital Football. She has a BA in English with Creative Writing from University Centre Peterborough, and a year's sports writing experience. Her favourite current Newcastle player is Bruno Guimaraes, favourite of all time is Alan Shearer. Her best Toon moment was the Carabao…