Archive
Tributes: John Alder And Liam Sweeney
Written by Newcastle Utd
Tributes from football fans across the world for United supporters John Alder and Liam Sweeney
Tributes have poured in for Newcastle United fans John Alder and Liam Sweeney since the pair were involved in Thursday's Malaysia Airlines tragedy while on their way to watch the Magpies on their pre-season tour of New Zealand.
Football fans from clubs across the world have sent in messages paying tribute to John and Liam.
If you would like to send a tribute, email anthony.marshall@nufc.co.uk.
I didn't know John Alder but I had the pleasure of sharing a Guinness with him on the afternoon of the Scottish Cup final through friends. That day he was an adopted Arab.
I learned of John's legendary dedication to NUFC that day. But many might not have known his dedication to just football travel.
What a fan, what a man. RIP Undertaker and look over your young apprentice Liam.
Your tangerine friends. DUFC.
Richie Paul
I have followed Newcastle United for all my days and am proud to have shared our faithful terraces with two proud Geordie lads, John & Liam.
God bless you both, may you look down on St. James' Park and we will look up in pride and make you proud whether in the stand or on the pitch.
Toon Toon, John & Liam's Army!
Always in our thoughts, never forgotten.
Mark, Clare (Sheffield Wednesday), Connor, Hannah & baby Keegan
I am a Tottenham Hotspur supporter but with much respect and affection for Newcastle United Football Club, so I am sending this brief message of condolence to the families of your exemplary fans John and Liam and to the club and all its supporters.
At times like these we set aside our club rivalries and become one big football family.
Keith Smith
I am a big Manchester United fan but I want to say how very sorry I am for the loss of the loyal fans.
Football is a wonderful game but the sadness I feel right now outweighs the game.
To the Newcastle players - you need to dedicate this season to them boys.
I am very sorry. xxxxxxx
Vicky Clarke
I just wanted to pass on my heartfelt admiration to Alan Pardew and Newcastle Utd and, at the same time, my sadness for the loss of the two supporters in the plane crash.
As a Stoke City supporter and also a football supporter we should all join together as a football family to show that despite our rivalries, we can pull together in times of horrors.
I am so, so sorry for the loss to the two fans' families and wish that the two fans are returned to the families as soon as possible so they can be laid to rest.
I wish them well best during this difficult time. Football's petty rivalries come second place right now.
All my prayers.
James Boyce
We are three lifelong Aston Villa fans (we are all in our mid 50s) but more importantly, we are members of the wider football family.
In September 1985 we were travelling by train to see Villa play at Newcastle and we met a group of Newcastle fans who boarded at Durham.
After chatting to them for the remainder of the journey we joined them for a pre-match drink at the Newcastle Arms and were introduced to a large number of their friends - one of them was John Alder.
The banter was great and we exchanged contact details and arranged to meet up for the corresponding fixture in Birmingham later in the season.
We arrived "early" on the Saturday morning only to find that about 50 Newcastle fans had already taken over the pub! Sitting in the corner nursing his orange cordial and water was John.
John used to drive to the away games and was usually accompanied by Alan Jones (who also died a few years ago), and so began a friendship that spanned almost 30 years. It was with great sadness that we learnt the news that John together with Liam Sweeney had been tragically killed on the Malaysia Airlines flight over Ukraine.
We met John, Alan and the crew many times over the years and though we have travelled the length and breadth of the country following our team, we would listen in disbelief how John would drive from Newcastle to somewhere like Portsmouth for a midweek League Cup reply and take in a reserve game at Peterborough en-route!
John, who was so distinctive in his black suit and white shirt, was a great football fan and I trust that the club and the greater Newcastle community can provide some lasting tribute to him.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of these two amazing fans and we will continue to look for your results in future and remember with fondness the happy times spent with John and others.
Martyn Price, John Hunt and Nigel Eddington
As a Liverpool fan from Australia, I read about your fans that were killed on Malaysia Airlines over the Ukraine. My heart goes out to their families and friends, and all the NUFC footballing family.
May God bless them always.
Mark Harvey
It was with great sadness to hear the news that an airliner was shot down, then later to find out that two onboard were from the North-East going to watch their favorite team all the way across the other side of the world.
These fans are of a rival team from me, being a Sunderland fan, but could you pass on my deepest sympathy to both lads' families.
Robert Coborn
As a Liverpool season ticket holder I would like to pass my thoughts and prayers to the families of the two Newcastle fans who have died in the terrible incident on the Malaysian aircraft over Ukraine.
The two guys were only travelling to watch their beloved team as I have travelled on numerous occasions following my club, and have witnessed two football incidents which have involved the deaths of fans .
If it helps, please tell the families that our prayers in Liverpool are very much with them. I know this as the comments made by fellow fans of our club on Facebook.
Chris Cottam
I would like to offer my condolences to the families of John Alder and Liam Sweeney.
Their dedication to Newcastle United was obvious. I am a dedicated supporter of Tottenham Hotspur and understand the enjoyment and commitment of these dedicated supporters.
I am sure that a fine club as Newcastle United will be supporting those families and hope that justice prevails in the coming weeks and months.
Yours in thoughts and support
Paul Dennis
Can you please pass on our condolances to the familes of the two supporters tragically killed in this shocking event.
Barbara & David Robinson
What a tragic and sad loss, my deepest sympathies to John and Liam's families and friends.
It broke my heart to seen the pain and sadness in his Mum's sister's eyes when she told me what had happened.
John and Liam you are with the angels and Sir Bobby now. May you rest in peace xxxx
Carol Sloan (Arsenal fan from Lossiemouth)
Just a few words to express my sadness with regard to the tragic circumstances whereby John Alder and Liam Sweeney lost their lives.
Please pass on my condolences to John's and Liam's family at this sad time. I didn't know either of them but they sounded like great guys.
Tragedies like this unite the footballing world, regardless of who you support.
RIP lads.
John Leggett (Middlesbrough supporter)
Our deepest sympathy is sent to the families and friends of John and Liam. We will all raise a glass on the first game of the season.
RIP lads, you will be missed.
S McDougall
Shocked to learn of the death of Liam and John - RIP lads.
I never knew John but Liam sat behind me in the south-west corner. He was a smashing lad with a cracking sense of humour. His passion for Newcastle United was without question, a true supporter.
I grieve for their family and closest friends, for which there were many. Angels do wear black and white, for sure.
Anthony Hyatt
Tribute to John Alder and Liam Sweeney who highly and proudly symbolised true passion for their club. Everywhere. Everytime. They were NUFC. They were football.
May they both rest in peace.
Laurent Delrieu (Montpelliers fan, France)
Rest in peace lads. Nobody deserves to die going to watch their team play, no matter where it is.
God bless you both.
Paul Musgrave (Manchester City season ticket holder)
Like thousands of others I would like to add my sincere condolences to John and Liam's families and friends, and to NUFC fans everywhere.
As a long-standing Manchester United season ticket holder, I know I also speak for the people that have sat around me for many years when I say that our thoughts are with both the families, the club, and its magnificent supporters.
Whilst I didn't know John or Liam personally, I know them from the spirit of the millions of football fans all over the country who proudly support their clubs through both glory and adversity week in, week out; and for that alone their deaths are a loss to us all.
RIP John & Liam
John Buchanan (Man Utd fan, Manchester)
We just wanted to say RIP to our black and white brothers.
Although we did not know John and Liam personally, our thoughts are with the families at this time.
We will always have a little prayer for them at every game.
Allan Borthwick and family (Boldon Colliery black and white loyal)
RIP lads, St. James' Park won't be the same.
Sir Bobby and Wor Jackie will guide you.
Andy (Toon fan in Yorkshire)
Condolences to all of John and Liam's family and friends who are suffering at this terrible, tragic loss.
Although I only knew John personally, Liam was obviously the same sort of genuine guy that John was, going by the tributes to him by relatives and friends alike.
John was such a friendly, easy going man who dedicated his life to Newcastle United and whose level of loyalty to the the team was unmatched by anyone else, with the exception of Liam as it appears.
Away games in particular will never be the same again with two such loyal fans absent.
John leaves a legacy of some lovely personal memories for me and I am sure for everyone who knew him and came into contact with him over the years.
RIP John and Liam.
Allan McKever (Hebburn)
I have followed Newcastle all my life but to think two men travelled the world and back again to cheer on the mighty Geordies is one that will stay with every Toon fan forever.
This city is ours, the club is our heartbeat, football is our blood.
Two great men taken too soon. Heartbreaking news.
RIP
Ivan Lanha
I didn't know you two guys, but as a human being first and football fan second, I would just like to offer my deepest sympathy to all your family and friends.
RIP. God Bless.
Carl (Man United fan, Wigan)
Never met either of you but did not have to, to know the passion you had for the club.
May you look down on this season and see our club do very well in your honour.
My family send their deepest best wishes and support to your families and friends you have been forced to leave behind. They miss you and so will the terraces at St. James' Park.
Your memories will live on in St. James' Park.
RIP John and Liam. Never to be forgotten.
Magpie Martyn and his family from Bristol
RIP John and Liam from a true Kiwi Newcastle supporter.
I will be at the game on Saturday supporting the Magpies. I know both sets of fans at Wellington will be showing their respect.
My thoughts go out to both their families.
Stuart McCusker
Me and my daughter attend roughly half of Newcastle's away games each season.
We used to have a game to see who was first to spot John in his famous black suit and white shirt. I lost at most games, however I was always deeply proud of John and all he represented.
Like me and my family, we live for Newcastle United yet we couldn't even contemplate the effort and expense John endured to watch our beloved Newcastle United.
I recognise Liam from many away games and he also represented Newcastle United with the same pride and passion of John.
The strength of support and loss shown by not just the Geordie nation but the whole of the football world and beyond has been incredible - just like our two lads!
They even managed to cross the Tyne-Wear divide and are respected and recognised by the old enemy. That in itself shows how amazing John and Liam are.
Gone but never forgotten
Rest in peace lads. The Geordie nation is proud of you
Alistair Legg (Eighton Banks)
From all the football and Newcastle United fans in Singapore, our thoughts are with you and your families.
Howay the lads. Rest in peace, John and Liam. I salute you both.
Zhihao (Newcastle fan, Singapore)
Just a Normal day, excitement looms at the prospect of seeing their favorite team. Pulling on the beloved black and white shirts.
What happened next was totally unforgivable. May you both rest in peace.
Gillian and Craig
When I heard on Thursday a flight had been brought down over Ukraine, I was heartbroken and devastated.
When I heard on Friday morning two Newcastle Fans were among the dead, I had a tear in my eye.
I am a Sunderland and Darlington fan and hearing this news has absolutely devastated me. Yes, we have a rivalry, we want to go one better, we want to do it on the pitch and this is an absolute tragic set of circumstances to unite us.
I may not have known Mr Alder or Mr Sweeney or their families, but I know plenty Newcastle fans and while we all enjoy the banter and the trying to get one over on each other, the last few days puts things into perspective.
Days like the last few have been tragic, but as a man, a Christian, a North-East native, red-and-white and black-and-white have merged to pay tribute to two falling football fanatics.
Times like this don't come round too often, but I am proud of the response and love what has been shown from one side to the other.
We take it for granted when we leave the house to go to the match. We don't for one minute think we will not get back home.
I don't know if Mr Alder or Mr Sweeney were religious at all, but, as a Christian, I have been praying for John, Liam, their families, friends, NUFC and the wider NUFC family.
I write this being very, very proud of my club's fans' response to this tragedy and it goes to show that when it comes down to it, whether it is Newcastle or Sunderland, that ultimately we can be North East United.
The following is a little poem for John, Liam and NUFC supporters. Not my best poetic effort, but here goes:
FOR JOHN AND LIAM
Over the hills and far away,
We give our all to watch our heroes play,
Whether good or in a hole,
All we want is an extra goal,
Two of the best taken away,
On their way to watch Toon play,
They have pride of place in St. James' Dome,
There's two good men not coming home,
Life goes on, although quite rough,
But we as fans are quite tough,
For John and Liam, sing out loud,
Do your best and make them proud.
David Forster
Truly heartbroken by the awful loss of two of our own.
Didn't know either of the lads personally but recognise both. Indeed, away trips will never be the same again without spotting John 'the undertaker'. Seemed such a gentleman who quietly went about applying his devoted love of the Toon.
Liam sounded equally devoted and neither deserved to be taken like this.
Sleep well lads. You at least go knowing you've done all you can for this club.
John Scott
We are different clubs but we share your passion and values.
I have been to your ground and your passion, like ours, is astounding and makes your club and wonderful city what it is.
To be amongst Geordies is to be amongst friends.
I hope your two loyal, passionate supporters rest in peace.
Thoughts and condolences are with their families.
We stand by your side as fans.
Dean (LUFC fan)
I want to express my Very deepest sympathy, and a big thank you to the Sunderland fans who are raising money towards a floral tribute for the two fans.
This really puts life into perspective, in times of tragedy.
God Bless Liam and John.
Leesen Moore, (Watford season ticket holder)
I didn't have to know these two lads to miss them now they are gone.
Part of the Toon brotherhood, they'd be welcome at my table anytime.
Here in New Zealand we are excited at the prospect of the Mags playing on New Zealand soil and can't wait for the 26th July when they are in my home town (adopted) of Wellington.
There will be a touch of sadness about the game - gone but not forgotten.
I hope we do you proud, lads, and the Westpac Stadium will rise to remember your names.
May United play their hearts out and the cheering reach your ears - wherever you are.
Keith and Karen
Ground to ground, both day and night,
To follow those in black and white,
Cheering loud and clapping hands,
Among the nation's loyalist fans,
Friendlies, cup games, not a care,
If the Toon were playing, you were there,
Win or lose, through bad and good,
Newcastle United was in your blood,
Known by thousands all around,
Familiar faces at our grand old ground,
Loved by many, all the lads and lasses,
Before the next Toon game we'll raise our glasses,
Two empty spaces in the crowd,
Don't worry though, we'll cheer you loud,
This tragic news is sad and dark,
But you'll be the light at St. James' Park,
Sleep tight now lads with pride on your faces,
And teach the angels The Blaydon Races,
For this sad day and through the night,
Let Heaven's gates be black and white.
Davey Brown
Very very sad news to know that two inspirational Newcastle fans have been sadly taken from us.
Look after them Uncle Bobby - I know you will.
Real Sociedad game will be for them.
Reece Barnes
On behalf of all Liverpool fans throughout, heartfelt sympathy at this time.
YNWA
Ian Terry (longstanding Liverpool fan of 50 years)
I didn't know either of the lads personally, but I didn't have to. I was proud to walk alongside both in black & white.
I will walk alongside them both once more… but until that day, like thousands of others, if I can support Newcastle United even half as vociferously as John and Liam, then I will do the club proud. Rest in peace.
UNITED.
Ted Boyle
I would like to share my condolences for the loss of John and Liam.
I hope their friends and family find strength in support from the wider football community, who can identify, I am sure, with John and Liam's dedication to NUFC.
Though our colours are different, our passions are identical!
I hope the perpetrators will be bought to justice and that John and Liam's friends and family (as well as others' they died alongside) will find peace.
May you never walk alone.
Tanya (a Liverpool fan)
Our thoughts are with you both and family so let there be peace...
Michael West & family
I would like to pay tribute as I am a massive football fan.
To have two genuine football fans die travelling to a game they love (across the other side of the world, no less) is utterly devastating.
This is when you realise how much NUFC means to them.
My thoughts are with everyone at Newcastle United and their friends and family.
I am a Watford FC season ticket holder, and I am sending my deepest condolences.
Rest in peace, John and Liam.
Richard Fox, Watford
I didn't know either John or Liam to speak to, but recognised both from various away matches.
Their dedication in following United all over the world for many years - as evidenced by this trip to New Zealand - represents the very best of our fantastic fan base.
They'll be sadly missed. Thoughts are with their families; rest in peace.
Ben Spratt
I never knew either John or Liam but was devastated to hear the news of two fellow Toon supporters dying while travelling to watch our beloved team play in New Zealand.
My thoughts and prayers go out to their families.
RIP John and Liam, true Geordies.
Andrew Jeffrey (North Shields)
John and Liam, you were one of us.
Absolutely devastated. RIP.
Sir Bobby will be waiting for you with open arms.
Jamie Stanton (Cardiff)
RIP to the two men that were unfortunately killed going to support their team.
Gone but never forgotten.
Amy Bell
Thoughts and prayers to the two lads. So tragic.
A Toon fan for life. RIP
Kevin Jones
No football fan should lose their lives following the team they love.
Condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Liam and John, and to the wider NUFC family.
YNWA
Clare Kennedy (Celtic fan)
RIP John and Liam.
I can't quite believe they were on that plane. Without a doubt the most hardcore Newcastle United fans I've ever known.
Travelling 23,000 miles to watch us in New Zealand tells you all you need to know about them.
Sleep tight lads. x
Craig Mallin
RIP the Toon Army fans, Liam and John.
Eric (a Brentford fan in Africa)
I never knew either of the lads personally, but as a fellow Newcastle United supporter we've lost two of our own.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. They made the ultimate sacrifice for their love for the football club.
NUFC and fans will never forget. My condolences.
Dan King
The NUFC family has lost two of its most loyal followers.
From the Mags here in the Midlands, we will never forget you.
Howay the lads.
Rob and family (Great Haywood)
Whilst I never knew John or Liam, I have many friends who share the same heartfelt love and devotion to the Toon Army.
Not only Newcastle fans, but all fans of football are sharing their families' grief, and acknowledge their loyal support that has cost them so much.
If that all football fans could be so loyal and dedicated to the team they love.
Our thoughts are with you.
A seafaring Cardiff City fan
RIP John and Liam.
You can now follow Newcastle United with Sir Uncle Bobby now.
Thoughts go out to the families of everyone on that plane.
Ian (a fellow Toon fan)
I wish to send my condolences to both John Alder's and Liam Sweeney's families.
It's heartbreaking when such a worldwide tragedy happens so close to home.
NUFC home and away will never be the same without these two, I'm pretty sure.
Gavin Sunley (a season ticket holder at Sunderland)
RIP lads, so sad to see this happen to any football fan, let alone two as loyal to NUFC as yourselves. Hope Sir Bobby looks after you up there.
Andy Gurr
I remember in the late 1980s, being about six-years-old when my dad took me to a match and first pointed out John Alder to me.
My dad explained that John was Newcastle's loyalist fan and that he never missed a single game, home or away, competitive or friendly.
Ever since then, throughout my years of following NUFC home and away, I would always tell my dad whenever I had seen John at the match... my first away game at Arsenal, on tour in Germany and Belgium, wherever I was following NUFC, I would keep an eye out for 'The Undertaker' in his trademark attire.
The last time I saw John was at the FA Youth Cup game at St. James' Park against Chelsea last season.
I was with my five-year-old son and I told him the same thing that my dad had told me 25 years earlier about NUFC's ultimate super fan.
Although I only spoke to John once, at Wigan away two years ago, I feel like I've known him for all of my NUFC-supporting life.
Will be sadly missed.
RIP to John and Liam and all of those others who lost their lives in this tragedy.
James Ramshaw
While I didn't know Liam, I certainly recognised him as a match-going fan.
As for John, I shared a few flights with him abroad following NUFC, most notably to Moscow as recent as 2013.
He was the one guaranteed face in any away end, no matter where we travelled.
Huge loss to the NUFC family.
RIP lads, heaven has gained two of the loyalist supporters.
Thomas Concannon
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting either of you, I feel deeply saddened by the shocking news received this morning.
May you both RIP and your spirits remain on the terraces.
The GallowgateShots Team
Although I didn't know John Alder or Liam Sweeney, I do have a friend who was very close to John and is naturally devastated.
It goes without saying really, but I hope the club can, in some way, pay tribute to these lads who tragically lost their lives doing what they loved, following their club.
Paul Pentelow
I'm a Kiwi (Spurs fan) living in the UK, and I would just like to pass on my condolences to the families and club of the two Newcastle fans that were tragically killed on the Malaysian Airlines flight on their way to New Zealand.
It is a terrible tragedy and I and I am sure most of my countrymen feel the same as I do.
I hope the club can have a good season for these two men.
Dave
So sad to learn the terrible news you have lost two supporters.
Football fans around the world are thinking of their families, friends and of course loyal NUFC supporters and staff.
God Bless.
Mike Powell (Arsenal fan, London)
Two wonderful and friendly people, black and white through and through, cruelly taken from us.
Both are going to be missed at St. James' Park and at grounds up and down the land.
RIP The Undertaker and Sweeney - thoughts go out to your families.
Sir Bobby is now looking after you.
God Bless
Gavin Holleran
Long live your memories. May God guide your families.
Ogada Kevin
Our thoughts are with their families. Sad loss to the club.
A terrible and unnecessary tragedy. Black and white through and through .
RIP lads
Dale Robinson
As a huge Chelsea fan now living in Canada my heart broke when reading about the two massive NUFC fans so tragically taken in such a terrible way.
Words cannot do justice to such a loss to the families and the NUFC community.
Please pass on to the families my deepest condolences.
Jeff Oliff
So sad. All the Boro are thinking of the NUFC family.
xxxxx
Andrew McCardle