Intro:

Newcastle United fans pay tribute to two supporters killed in the Malaysian Airlines crash on Thursday.

Script:

Newcastle fans flocked to St James' Park to pay tribute to two supporters who were among those killed in the Malaysian Airlines crash on Thursday.

John Alder, who was believed to be in his 60s, and 28-year-old Liam Sweeney were travelling to New Zealand for the club's pre-season tour when MH17 was shot down over Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English): David McKinnon, Newcastle fan who knew John and Liam:

"It is just absolutely devastating. Everyone has been gutted by this. I mean, John and Liam had so many friends that they would meet at every game and I can't believe that they would be anything but gutted."

David Mitchinson explains how his friend, Mr Alder, acquired the nickname ‘The Undertaker’:

SOUNDBITE (English): David Mitchinson, friend and former colleague of John Alder:

"Reserves, under-21s, academy games, Northern League games -- you could always pick John out in the crowd. Always with his black suit on and his white shirt."

The club are expected to hold a minute's silence before their opening home game of the season against Manchester City in their memory.