Newcastle and Liverpool applauded the late Kevin Keegan before kick-off

Kevin Keegan's family were in attendance as Newcastle United and Liverpool supporters came together to pay tribute to the former England captain.

Keegan, who played for both clubs, before going on to manage Newcastle, died at the age of 75 last month following a battle with cancer.

As the teams met for the first time since his death, in their Premier League season opener at St James' Park on Sunday, members of Keegan's family were present in the directors' box.

A number of Keegan's former players from this memorable first spell in charge of Newcastle, between 1992 and 1997, were also at the game.

Newcastle supporters paid tribute to their former player and manager

These included Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, Peter Beardsley, Tino Asprilla, Warren Barton, Shaka Hislop, Lee Clark, Darren Peacock, Steve Watson, Ruel Fox, Steve Howey and Liam O'Brien.

In the warm-up, players from both sides wore Keegan 7 on the back of their shirts while a centre circle mosaic made up of more than 500 shirts left outside St James' Park following Keegan's death was unfurled in the centre circle a few minutes later.

A tribute video to Keegan was then played on the big screen before supporters' group Wor Flags unveiled a huge display, which involved every seat in the ground, including Liverpool supporters.

Keegan 7 was spelt out in the Leazes End, there was a massive tifo of 'King Kev' in the East Stand and, in the Gallowgate End, there was a memorable quote from the most transformational figure in Newcastle's history.

"I want people to dream about their football club," the banner read. "They should. We should all be dreamers at heart. Some people are the opposite and say, 'We can't do that'. But when you ask them why, they can't give a reason. Well, I say, 'Why not?'"

The teams and fans then joined together in an emotional minute's applause before the match as "one Kevin Keegan" rang out from the stands.

The matchday programme was dedicated to Keegan

Keegan's family wrote an open letter in advance of the game to thank supporters for "filling us with so much comfort during these difficult days" after they previously saw the huge number of tributes left outside the stadium.

"The sea of black and white shirts and scarves, alongside colours from so many other clubs, reminded us how much Kevin meant to the footballing world," they said.

"It was a sombre moment that reminded us of our pain and loss, yet matched with immense pride and love as we read so many personal and heartfelt messages.

"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."

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