Several journalists inside Wembley took to social media to reveal what happened during a minute’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, André Silva, who both tragically died in a car accident in Spain last month.
Liverpool players wore a special “Forever 20” emblem on their shirts as a tribute to Jota, with the club announcing that his number 20 will be permanently retired.
A minute’s silence was held prior to kick-off, but several reporters noted it was disrupted by a small group of Palace supporters. The Athletic’s James Pearce wrote that the referee cut the tribute short after interruptions, prompting boos from the Liverpool end. The Mail’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 “absolutely beyond me,” and BBC Sport’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:
“There is a planned silence for Jota today. Let’s make an effort to all be in our seats 10 minutes before KO. Or keep this in mind if you’re still in the concourse.”
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:
“To those who observed the moment of remembrance for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, thank you. To those who thought it’d be funny to boo and jeer during it, shame on you.”
