Journalists at Wembley reveal what happened in minute’s silence for Diogo Jota as boos heard on TNT

Several journalists inside Wembley took to social media to reveal what happened during a minuteโ€™s silence for Diogo Jota ahead of the FA Community Shield clash between Liverpool and Crystal Palace

Wembley Tribute to Diogo Jota and Brother Interrupted by Minority of Palace Fans

Before the Community Shield clash at Wembley, wreaths were laid pitchside by Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and Liverpool legend Ian Rush in honour of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andrรฉ Silva, who both tragically died in a car accident in Spain last month.

Liverpool players wore a special โ€œForever 20โ€ emblem on their shirts as a tribute to Jota, with the club announcing that his number 20 will be permanently retired.

A minuteโ€™s silence was held prior to kick-off, but several reporters noted it was disrupted by a small group of Palace supporters. The Athleticโ€™s James Pearce wrote that the referee cut the tribute short after interruptions, prompting boos from the Liverpool end. The Mailโ€™s Lewis Steele condemned those responsible, while emphasising that the vast majority of Palace fans were respectful.

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher called the behaviour โ€œabsolutely beyond me,โ€ and BBC Sportโ€™s Emma Smith reported that most supporters applauded in tribute once the silence ended.

Two young talents, remembered on a sombre afternoon at Wembley, gone far too soon.

In the hours leading up to kick-off, several Palace fans used social media to urge their fellow supporters to respect the planned silence. One fan posted on X:

โ€œThere is a planned silence for Jota today. Letโ€™s make an effort to all be in our seats 10 minutes before KO. Or keep this in mind if youโ€™re still in the concourse.โ€

Despite those appeals, the tribute was marred by interruptions from a minority in the Palace end. Following the moment, Liverpool fan account Empire of the Kop thanked those who observed the silence and condemned those who did not:

โ€œTo those who observed the moment of remembrance for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, thank you. To those who thought itโ€™d be funny to boo and jeer during it, shame on you.โ€

 

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