Newcastle fans launch petition for number 24 shirt to be retired after tragic death of former star Cheick Tiote
Former midfielder spent seven years at Tyneside and was a fan favourite with the club
NEWCASTLE fans have launched a petition to retire Cheick Tiote's number 24 shirt.
The football world was left stunned when Tiote collapsed at Beijing Enterprises' training ground and tragically died an hour later at the age of 30 on Monday.
Tiote spent seven years on Tyneside and won the hearts of Newcastle fans for his tough tackling nature in midfield and for playing with his heart on his sleeve.
He also helped complete one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history when he scored a stunning volley to rescue a point having trailed 4-0 against Arsenal.
And now fans want the club to further pay their respects by retiring the number 24.
One supporter has set up a petition page with the hope of reaching 5,000 signatures.
In the description it was written: "In the light of the legends death.
"The shirt number should be retired in honour of his life. A Newcastle legend taken too soon.
"Let's come together as a family and honour a fallen family member."
The petition has so far been signed by over 2,600 fans.
In similar circumstance, Manchester City retired Marc-Vivien Foe's number 23 shirt following his death in 2003.
Meanwhile Tiote's three-year-old son paid a heartbreaking tribute to his father by posing in a Newcastle shirt with the words "R.I.P Daddy 24" written on the back.
The family were invited to the club where young Rafael was gifted the shirt.