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.
