Ahead of Crystal Palace’s penalty shootout victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield, both sets of players took part in a minute’s silence to remember former Reds star Diogo Jota – but the referee was forced to cut the touching tribute short.
Given that it was Liverpool’s first competitive fixture since the Portuguese forward’s tragic passing, the decision was made for those inside the stadium to pay their respects to Jota, who passed away alongside his brother in a car crash on 3 July.
Liverpool, as a means of immortalising his status at the football club, have since retired Jota’s No.20 shirt in his memory, while the footballing world came together in a state of mourning in the days and weeks that followed his untimely death. However, things didn’t go smoothly during the minute’s silence.
Minute’s Silence for Jota Interrupted Ahead of Community Shield
Referee Chris Kavanagh forced to cut the tribute short ahead of kick-off
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Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were both honoured with wreaths laid on the pitch and a period of silence before the Wembley showpiece got underway on Sunday afternoon – but a small group of Crystal Palace fans interrupted the minute’s silence, eliciting a strong response from the Anfield faithful.
Understandably, those in the Liverpool end tried to silence those who were not respecting the warming tribute from both clubs. The initial shouts from those supporting the capital club were met with boos, which meant that Chris Kavanagh cut it short.
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TNT Sports commentators Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist were displeased with how the minute’s silence was observed. “And why on earth there are a few inside the stadium who would spoil that moment. It is absolutely beyond me,” Fletcher said before McCoist, in utter disbelief, added: “It defies logic that.”
Usually a joyous occasion at the Home of Football, the match was tainted by a small section of the Palace contingent that were unable to pay their respects to Jota, who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to his move to Anfield.
Prior to the minute’s silence, Liverpool fans belted out a rousing rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ when Liverpool legend Ian Rush and Palace chairman Steve Parish and FA chair Debbie Hewitt were seen laying wreaths on the side of the pitch.
Slot, regarded as one of the best managers in world football, recently praised his men for how they’ve dealt with Jota’s tragic death. “This summer has been difficulty for everybody connected with the club. The passing of Diogo Jota had a big impact on all of us and is something that we are still coming to terms with.”
“I also want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable, but the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club.”
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“We 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,” the Liverpool tactician said ahead of the Community Shield, per the FA website.
In the aftermath of the game, the Dutch tactician spoke out about the premature end to the minute's silence. "I don’t think this was planned. Maybe the fan was not aware of the minute’s silence and was happy and tried to cheer for his team, then the Palace fans tried to calm him down. I don’t think they had a bad intention."