the funeral of the first British victim of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 to be identified has been told that football fan Liam Sweeney was "a gentle giant" and a family man.
Hundreds of mourners joined his family and friends at St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle to remember the 28-year-old, who had been on his way to New Zealand to watch United play.
Among the floral tributes were the words Grandson, Friend and Son, as well as a Newcastle shirt and scarf placed on his coffin.
Manager Alan Pardew, club captain Fabricio Coloccini, managing director Lee Charnley and assistant manager John Carver also came to pay their respects to one of the club's most dedicated supporters.
Afterwards they were seen hugging the family, including Mr Sweeney's father Barry, and passing on their condolences.
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