THE SOUND of loud clapping reverberated around Newcastle United’s home ground today (Monday, July 21) as hundreds of people remembered two loyal fans killed in the Malaysia Airlines catastrophe.

A minute’s applause followed an emotional service at the player’s entrance to St James’ Park, where a sea of flowers, football shirts and scarves have been left in memory of John Alder, 63 and 28-year-old Liam Sweeney.

They had spent thousands of pounds to fly to New Zealand to watch their beloved Newcastle United play a series of pre-season friendlies.

Before the service Mr Sweeney's father Barry said: "This is one of the most amazing scenes I have ever seen.

"He and John I hope are in the sky, watching this. They would be amazed."

Mr Sweeney, a father of seven who cares for his terminally-ill wife Lesley, said: "I loved him to bits. He was a diamond."

Amanda Fowler, who organises away-game coach trips, opened with service with a poem dedicated to the two titled Loyal to the End.

The poem ended: “Two empty spaces in the crowd, don’t worry though we’ll cheer you loud.

“The tragic news was sad and dark, but you’ll be the light at St James’ Park.

“Sleep tight now lads with pride on your faces and teach those angels the Blaydon Races.

“For this sad day through the night. let heavens gates be black and white rest in peace lads.

Tributes were paid by Malcolm Pegg, close friend to “two very different people brought together by the love, passion and commitment to for Newcastle United Football Club”.

Mr Pegg said Mr Alder, a legend known as Undertaker for the suit he wore to games, had missed only one cup game since 1973 and even went to reserve and junior games when he could.

He recalled Mr Alder as a “polite unassuming guy who was hugely knowledgeable about the sport he loved” while Mr Sweeney he remembered as a lively and jovial person who became a coach steward looking after and caring for travelling fans.

Mr Pegg said: “Liam and John came together through their love and passion for Newcastle United.

“They had planned their trip to New Zealand to watch their beloved team.

“What I will always remember is they that they died together doing something they loved.”

He added: “John Alder and Liam Sweeney, it has been a privilege to have been part of your life. You will always be remembered.

“You were a huge loss to all the community and the Toon family.

“Sir Bobby Robson’s definition of a club is well known - John and Liam you are very much part of his quotation. Rest in peace.”

Addressing the crowd, Mr Sweeney’s father said: “Thank you everyone for coming from the bottom of my heart.

“The whole of my family and I am overwhelmed. If I talk I don’t cry when I don’t talk I cry – so I’m thinking of crying while I’m talking as well.”

“Honestly this is absolutely amazing. I am going to cry ok,” he added, as he broke off to shed a tear.

Before the tribute, Mr Sweeney urged Russian president Vladimir Putin to act to help the bereaved.

"Mr Putin and all the other big boys - please do something about it," he said. "Please get our kids back. It's not their war and they didn't deserve to be there."

Following the service, former Newcastle United chairman John Hall passed on his condolences to Mr Sweeney and his family.