Arne Slot's comments about his Liverpool players after the death of Diogo Jota are even more poignant now after the minutes' silence tribute to the forward in the Community Shield was booed and cut short
15:59, 10 Aug 2025
Arne Slot
Arne Slot lauded his Liverpool players
Arne Slot’s proud message to his Liverpool players following the tragic death of Diogo Jota is even more poignant now.
Ahead of the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, tributes were paid to the former Reds forward, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, who both died in a car crash in the Spanish region of Zamora in June.
But as Liverpool and Crystal Palace players gathered around the centre circle to observe a minute’s silence before kick-off, the tribute was cut short by sick fans booing, jeering and interrupting the tribute.
Referee Chris Kavanagh blew his whistle to call an early end to the tribute after just 10 seconds, with Liverpool players looking visibly bemused by the decision from a small number of brainless Palace fans to boo.
Slot had hailed his Liverpool players for uniting following Jota’s death. His words are even more touching with the failed tribute sure to play on their minds.
Liverpool
The minutes' silence for Diogo Jota was interrupted(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Writing in his programme notes, the Dutchman said: "Of course, this summer has been difficult for everyone connected with our club.
“The passing of Diogo Jota was a big impact on all of us and I think the way our group is united together and willing to share the pain that Diogo’s family, his friends and his loved ones are going through has been something I am proud of.
"The support they can feel and the love they have been shown has been so important.
"The way the football community and, in particular, our own fans here at Liverpool, along with those at Anfield, the AXA Training Centre, Preston North End and on our recent tour of Hong Kong and Japan, we really felt what everyone was feeling and how together our fans are.
Arne Slot - Diogo Jota
Arne Slot paid tribute to Diogo Jota in his programme notes(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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"Once again today, we take to the pitch, the strength and the courage of all my players here.
"They have found themselves in one of the toughest moments anyone could have and they have come together, and the way they have conducted themselves on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this club.
“We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all. We will always carry Diogo with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go. You’ll Never Walk Alone."
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