Newcastle Release Statement On Tragic Death Of 2 Fans In Ukraine

By Simon Gallagher / July 18, 2014

Just as an exciting pre-season for Newcastle United fans has kicked off with a cavalcade of new signings and the sneaking return of some optimism among even the most cynical of fans, the community has been reminded of how little signings and friendlies and qualms over over-weight players actually matter in the grand scheme of things, after it was announced that two Newcastle fans were killed in the Malaysian Air disaster that has been blamed on war in the Ukraine. The flight, which carried 295 souls including flight crew, went down in the East of the country yesterday, killing everyone on board, and it was with great sadness that the news was announced that John Alder and Liam Sweeney were among the victims. The pair were travelling to Newcastle's friendly tour in New Zealand on flight MH17, as a mark of the commitment to the club that had seen John - affectionately known to fellow supporters as The Undertaker - miss only a single game since 1973. In light of the news, the club has released a statement, hailing the pair, and announcing that tributes will be paid during the first game of the season at St James' Park, when Newcastle welcome Man City on Sunday 17th August:

It is with great sadness that we learn today the tragic news of the deaths of John Alder and Liam Sweeney, two of the Club's most loyal supporters, who lost their lives on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 which crashed on Thursday afternoon in Eastern Ukraine. John and Liam were travelling out to New Zealand together to support Newcastle United in the forthcoming Football United Tour, which takes place next week in Dunedin and Wellington. Both men were familiar faces at every Newcastle United away game and attended not only first team games but Reserve and Academy matches too. John was a lifelong supporter and a familiar sight in the stands for almost half a century, having barely missed a single game in that time. Liam will be known to many fans during his time volunteering as a steward on supporters' buses to away games.

Both Managing Director Lee Charnley and Alan Pardew added their own comments, offering condolences to the families of both men, with Charnley confirming that the team will wear black armbands for their games against Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix during the tour, and that they will be dedicating an area around the statue of Sir Bobby Robson at the stadium for fans to pay their respects. Alan Pardew said:

"Myself and all the players are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible news. We all knew how passionately John and Liam supported the team and the club. They were with us just earlier this week for our first pre-season friendly against Oldham and their dedication to travel all the way around the world to support us in New Zealand tells you all you need to know about the passion they had for Newcastle United. Our hearts go out to their families and friends."

The senseless loss of the fans puts football in perspective, and it is inconceivable that two men could set out to watch their beloved team play something as innocuous as a friendly tournament in exotic surroundings, and lose their lives because of two countries arguing over a strip of land. As the media and the political parties involved scuffle over the cause, the killers and the ramifications, it is important to remember that the victims were people - fans on a trip offering nothing more sinister than support, students and travellers returning home, crew doing their jobs - so fans are urged to offer their condolences both at St. James now and before the Man City game. Whatever the cause of the crash - and speculation at this point seems obtuse - the Newcastle community should be united in their grief for John and Liam, as well as the rest of the crew and passengers who lost their lives yesterday.