Fans on social media have been left divided after an Everton fan showed up to lay flowers at a memorial in the wake of Diogo Jota's passing.
On Thursday, the soccer world was left in shock when it was reported that Jota and his brother Andre Silva, had died in a car crash, just two weeks after the former had gotten married. The 28-year-old was beloved by his family, teammates and friends, with tributes from across the world having been paid following his death.
Outside Anfield, Liverpool has begun a memorial to the Portuguese forward with fans across the city, both red and blue, flocking to the stadium to pay their respects. One fan, who was filmed paying his respects to Jota was an Everton supporter in an blue shirt, something which left fans question whether there was any need for his particular choice of clothing.
And while the majority of fans on social media hailed the tribute by the Everton fan in question, some criticised the decision to wear a Toffees shirt, unable to comprehend it was a gesture from the blue half of Liverpool to show the city was united in grief following the passing of Jota.
"Attention seeking, nothing more nothing less. No need for the Everton top," wrote one fan.
A second added of the footage: "It was nice of them to come in their kits and wait at the exact same for the cameras to record them."
A third commented: "Pay your respects but wearing an Everton shirt and having someone film it is attention seeking. Sad using that to try and get your 5 mins of fame."
However, there were plenty who appreciated the gesture in the wake of Jota's passing. "everyone saying he’s a b------ for wearing his everton top, in my opinion it’s a kindhearted genuine gesture because it shows the city (and world) coming together to show respect and mourn the loss of not just a footballer, but a father, son, brother and husband."
A second added: "Nothing wrong in wearing an Everton shirt, anyone who doesn’t understand doesn’t come from the city. Our families aren’t divided by the club we support or religion. Most families are mixed reds & blues. We appreciate the blues support at this time. We would do the same for them."
A third said: "I’m a Liverpool fan and people complaining why this man wearing an Everton shirt makes me sick. There’s nothing shows unity in hard times more than this.
And a fourth wrote: "Tbh think it more sends a message out , I thought it was a beautiful thing to see there’s a lot of crap on here but this definitely ain’t one of them."
Following the tribute by the fan, Everton sent a delegation to lay a wreath, with two of Jota's Portuguese compartiots, Youssef Chermiti and Beto, paying their respects to the late Liverpool forward.
A statement from the club with words from former Everton midfielder Peter Reid read: "It's an absolute tragedy. Of course, there is the human side of it – we've lost a young man, who has just got married and has three kids. He was also a terrific footballer – charismatic and always played the game with a smile on his face.
"He will be in the hearts and souls of Liverpudlians forever. Coming together in difficult times is what we're about as a city. We play hard against each other and rightly so, but when anything happens to one of us, we get around each other as well. He'll be so sadly missed and all of our prayers our with his family and friends."