Newcastle United players and staff will wear black armbands in New Zealand as they pay tribute to John Alder and Liam Sweeney. The pair, two of the club’s most loyal supporters, were flying to the South Pacific via Kuala Lumpur to watch Newcastle play in their pre-season tour but died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed over eastern Ukraine on Thursday.
As Newcastle’s manager, Alan Pardew, headed for New Zealand on Friday he expressed his sadness at the loss of two men who not only watched the first team home and away but routinely attended reserve and academy fixtures. “Myself and all the players are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible news,” said Pardew. “We all knew how passionately John and Liam supported the club. They were with us just this week for our first pre-season friendly against Oldham and their dedication to travel all the way around the world to support us tells you all you need to know. Our hearts go out to their families and friends.”
Lee Charnley, Newcastle’s managing director, is organising a tribute at St James’ Park. ”We send our deepest condolences to John and Liam’s families and friends,” he said. “The club will be dedicating an area surrounding the Sir Bobby Robson statue for fans to pay their respects to John and Liam. The manager and players will be wearing black armbands in New Zealand.”