Newcastle and Liverpool stage tribute with flowers at St James' Park

Outside St James' Park, a sea of blossoms stretches across the pavement, a vivid reminder that Kevin Keegan's death dominates English football this week. The floral display, already thick with colour, marks the first public sign of mourning for the former player and manager.

A full‑sized flower bed now sits outside the stadium, turning the entrance into a living memorial. The arrangement has been described as a "volwaardige bloemenzee" by club officials.

Newcastle United and Liverpool are in active talks about a fitting tribute to the man who became a legend on both the Tyne and the Mersey. Both clubs said they want a "passend eerbetoon" that reflects Keegan's impact at each side.

In Newcastle, hundreds – perhaps thousands – of bouquets sit alongside scarves, copies of Keegan's autobiographies and even a bottle of the local Newcastle Brown Ale. The items illustrate the personal connection fans feel to the late star.

The club announced the flower bed may remain until next Monday; from Tuesday the bouquets will be collected and processed in an environmentally friendly way. Newcastle United stressed the commitment to a "milieuvriendelijke" disposal method.

In four weeks the Premier League will open with a match between Newcastle and Liverpool, a fixture that now carries added emotional weight. The season‑opening clash will be the first league game after Keegan's passing.

Keegan was both player and manager at his home club, Newcastle United, and is remembered as one of Liverpool's greatest footballers. His dual legacy on the Tyne and the Mersey underpins the joint tribute being planned.