The Liverpool fans' full-time tribute to Diogo Jota after a pre-season win over Preston North End left commentators in tears and proved more than Andy Robertson could bear. The away end at Deepdale belted out Jota's song in unison as players and staff lined up to applaud them on Sunday.
Jota, who scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool, died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva earlier this month, leaving behind his wife, Rute, who he had married less than two weeks prior, and three kids. The 10 days since have been an extremely emotional time for everyone involved with the club, and this weekend's trip to Preston was the first time Reds players were back in action since the tragic accident.
There were tributes to Jota throughout the game as Liverpool fans paraded commemorative banners, and Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo recreated the Portuguese's trademark shark celebration after scoring. Arne Slot's side won 3-1, with Conor Bradley also getting on the scoresheet.
Perhaps the most emotional scenes of all were saved until after the full-time whistle. Coaching staff and players, including those who did not feature in the friendly, stood and clapped the away end for at least five minutes as Jota's song was belted out.
It was all too much for LFC TV commentators Gary Gillespie and John Bradley, who were audibly emotional as they talked viewers through the tribute. And Robertson, who was a close friend of Jota's and published a tear-jerking social media post after his death, found it so tough that he had to walk away from his team-mates and have a moment to himself.
A hearty rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone followed when the players dispersed and made their way back to the dressing room.
Fans were full of praise for how Gillespie and Bradley captured the moving moments. On X, @Clubberchops wrote: "Turned over to LFC TV for coverage and seeing Bradders and Gary Gillespie being so emotional got me in bits again."
And @LiverpoolLatam posted: "The commentators on LFCTV in tears watching the fans and players singing to Diogo after the match. It hurts, and a lot [heartbreak emoji]."
Part of Robertson's tribute to his late friend read: "He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo."
MORE TO FOLLOW
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: Football - Football Transfer News, Scores and Results | Express.co.uk. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.