St James' Park paid tribute to The Queen in the perfect way as football made its eagerly awaited return to Tyneside on Saturday afternoon. Newcastle United were back in action for the first time since the passing of Her Majesty this month and both the Magpies and Bournemouth showed their respect before kick-off at St James' Park.
A subdued atmosphere lingered in the air before kick-off as 'God Save The King' flags hung from walls outside the ground. Inside the stadium, Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley and Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn made their way onto the pitch to lay a wreath in the centre circle.
Eddie Howe adorned a suit and black tie before swiftly changing back to his normal tracksuit attire for kick-off and players stood arm in arm as the stadium fell silent. The minute's silence was perfectly observed by a crowd who have waited 13 days to roar their side on inside this famous venue once more.
God Save The King blasted out over the speakers for the first time as Newcastle supporters finally got the chance to pay their respects. This is how it should have been last weekend. Just as rugby, golf, Formula 1 and many other sports managed in the days following The Queen's death. However, it was better late than never.
Supporters were soon on their feet and in full voice as the game got under way. Howe, who comes up against former club Bournemouth for the first time since his exit, will be pleased with the show of respect from his players and fans.
“I think the beauty of football is we do get a chance to come together as a nation up and down the country and pay tribute to the fantastic life The Queen had and what she did for our country,” he said this week. “That’s what football does best I think.”
READ NEXT
Gareth Southgate tracked Newcastle transfer target as club make appointment to prevent disaster
Newcastle attribute has Premier League bosses worried in meetings
Todd Boehly briefly talks $900m investment with PIF that strengthens Newcastle and Chelsea link
Newcastle have new transfer dream after signing only took minutes to decide and left at 4.30am
Newcastle owners have an even better manager after his 'painful' failure
