Diogo Jota, Howard Webb, Arne Slot, Liverpool
Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Keith Hackett
Mon 7 July 2025 16:30, UK
Liverpool must be approached by Howard Webb and PGMOL to discuss in-game tributes following the passing of Diogo Jota, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referees could face backlash if they choose to caution players for taking their tops off in celebration to show a message underneath.
Players across the world are paying tribute to the 28-year-old, who sadly passed away in a tragic car accident on Thursday, 3 July, leaving behind a grieving wife, family, and teammates.
Portuguese winger Diogo Goncalves scored for Real Salt Lake in the MLS in the early hours of Sunday, 6 July, with Fulham’s Raul Jimenez and PSG’s Ousmane Dembele both breaking out the player’s celebration.
Diogo Jota tributes continue across the globe
With 65 goals and 22 assists in 182 appearances, Jota became a much-loved figure during his five seasons at Anfield, with his teammates now returning to England for pre-season without him there.
The Reds have chosen to retire the player’s No.20 shirt at Anfield, with the club also choosing to pay out the rest of his contract until the summer of 2027, which has been praised by the footballing world.
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His teammates, who will have been absolutely shocked by his passing, are likely to want to express their emotions on the pitch, which is why Hackett has urged PGMOL to give the squad a visit ahead of next season.
Diogo Jota, Liverpool
Credit: Imago
PGMOL to consult Liverpool over emotional tributes
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “We’re all shocked. He was such a skilful player, one that any football fan appreciated, but from a referee’s perspective, he was one who just got on with the game.
“He didn’t confront referees. He just played the game in the right manner and with a degree of authority. He was just a player who fitted into Anfield.
“What the PGMOL should be doing is approaching Liverpool early on to try to prevent shirts being removed, even if that is a judgment because, in law, when a shirt is removed and a memorial or political statement is shown, the referee has no option but to issue a yellow card.
Diogo-Jota-Liverpool
Diogo Jota will be remembered at Liverpool forever. (Credit: Imago)
“That will go down like a lead balloon. Can Liverpool players and the club find another way to celebrate a goal, and celebrate this particular player? Somebody could throw that goalscorer his shirt, holding it up to the crowd.
“The fact that Liverpool have already made a promise to pay off the remains of Jota’s wages is substantial. It’s a testament to the club. For me, I would have empathy. If somebody did remove their shirt in the first game, I’d be running in the opposite direction. I wouldn’t want to see it.
“In my era, we refereed in a different way. But this generation of referees applies the law rather strictly, so I do think a yellow card would come out. Just prevent it, and find a different way.”
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