Fans Remember Newcastle MH17 Victims Supporters of Newcastle United and Manchester City pay tribute to the two Magpies fans who died in the MH17 disaster.4:41pm UK, Sunday 17 August 2014 Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Newcastle United v Manchester City - St James Park Video: Magpies Tribute To MH17 Victims Enlarge Email By Frazer Maude, Sky News Reporter Tributes have been paid today to the two Newcastle United fans killed when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed in Ukraine. Liam Sweeney, 28, and 63-year-old John Alder were travelling to New Zealand to watch Newcastle play in a pre-season friendly tournament when their plane went down. Before kick off in todays first home fixture of the season, against Manchester City, the two team captains laid wreaths in the centre circle before a minutes silence. Barry Sweeney Liams father, Barry, said he wanted to do his son proud They were joined by Liams father, Barry, who told Sky News before the match that it was going to be a difficult day. As a kid, and Im still a kid at 52, Ive always loved running on the pitch with a black and white top on in front of 52,000 people, he said. Im going to be doing it in a different way, but I want to do my son proud and I will applaud everybody there on the day. St James Park Wreaths were laid in St James Park centre circle by the team captains Its not a dream come true, because its a nightmare whats happened, but it will be nice to be acknowledged as Liams dad. One group of Manchester City supporters brought a banner to show their respects. But some Toon fans think the club could do more. Flowers Flowers to the two men have been left outside Newcastles ground Newcastle United says it will create a memorial garden for the men, and set up a community award in their names. The manager, Alan Pardew, has also dedicated this season to the two loyal supporters. Club managing director Lee Charnley said: Our thoughts and our primary concern since the tragic events of July 17 have been focused on supporting the families of John and Liam in any way we can and paying tribute to the two. - All those on board the flight were killed when it came down in Ukraine It was very important for us not just to remember Liam and John at our opening game, but in the years to come, to reflect their dedication and support for the club. The Sweeney family confirmed earlier this week that they have now repatriated Liams body from Amsterdam. His funeral is expected to take place this Thursday. Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Newcastle United v Manchester City - St James Park Flowers laid at the foot of the Sir Bobby Robson memorial But John Alders family are still waiting to hear from authorities in the Netherlands about when he might be brought home. Dutch-led forensic teams are continuing work to identify the remains of the victims of the MH17 disaster, which happened exactly a month ago. Pro-Russian rebels have been blamed for shooting it down.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 15:57:26 +0000
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