Fans of Newcastle United have launched a petition for the club to retire the number 26 shirt following the tragic death of former player Cheick Tioté. Tiote left the Magpies during the January transfer window to join Chinese club Beijing Enterprises.
It was confirmed yesterday that Tiote passed away yesterday after collapsing during a training session with his club following a suspected heart attack.
The petition stated, “In the light of the legend’s death, the shirt number should be retired in honour of his life. A Newcastle legend taken too soon”
Tiote arrived at Newcastle form Dutch club FC Twente in 2010 and made 156 appearances in all competitions before his departure in January.
The highlight of Tiote’s time at Newcastle came in 2011 when he scored the only goal of his time at the club during the clubs memorable 4-4 draw with Arsenal as they came back from 4-0 down.
