The former manager was diagnosed with cancer after being admitted to hospital with abdominal symptoms
Kristy Dawson Multi-Media Journalist
21:34, 25 Mar 2026Updated 21:34, 25 Mar 2026
Photo dated 03/02/2008 of Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, who has been diagnosed with cancer. (Image: PA)
A social media post which claims that Kevin Keegan has only days to live has been found to be a “sick” hoax. The Newcastle United legend, 75, was diagnosed with cancer after being admitted to hospital with abdominal symptoms.
When the news was released, in January this year, there was a huge outpouring of love for the former manager and player. Newcastle United also issued a statement in which they sent their love to Keegan and his family.
A statement from Keegan’s family said: “Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.
“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”
The club statement said: “Our former player and manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. King Kev. We’re with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”
A hoax statement about Keegan has now appeared on Facebook. It says: “Sad news from Kevin Keegan: “I don’t have much time left… I just want to be at peace with my loved ones in these final days”
TV presenter Pete Graves took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm that the statement was fake. He posted: “I can confirm that this statement is fake and not true. Kevin’s treatment is underway and he is responding well!
“I’d like to remind everyone the family have requested privacy at this time. Kevin has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of well wishes and kindness from fans around the world.”
Fans of King Kev have described those responsible for the statement as “sick” and “vile”. One person posted: “What kind of person puts something like that out? sick”
A second person commented: “There is some vile people out there that make stories up just for likes”.
A third person added: “Why can’t people just leave him to fight this? Absolutely disgusting coming out with stuff like this. I hope KK makes a full & swift recovery. A proper legend!”
Keegan inspired promotion as a Newcastle United player after two fabulous years at the club from 1982 until 1984 and retired amid a huge fanfare and helicopter farewell. He returned as the saviour in 1992, saving the club from relegation to the third tier and potential oblivion with Newcastle teetering on the edge of going bust.
Chronicle Live recently reported how Alan Shearer and Ant & Dec were backing a statue of Kevin Keegan at St James’ Park.
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