When a small number of Crystal Palace fans disrupted Sunday’s minute-long silence for Diogo Jota at Wembley, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot hinted that the disturbance might have been the consequence of a misunderstanding. Virgil van Dijk expressed his disappointment.
Before Sunday’s Community Shield game began, both sides gathered in the center circle to honor Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who lost their lives in a vehicle tragedy in Spain last month.
However, a small handful of Crystal Palace supporters interrupted the quiet moment at Wembley, forcing referee Chris Kavanagh to break it.
“Yes, I am disappointed,” Van Dijk acknowledged.
“That is all I have to say. Many others tried to calm it down, but it’s clear it doesn’t help them. It is what it is.
“You have no control over… How many people were present? 80,000, so hearing that is disheartening. However, if those people are able to return home and be content with themselves, then…..”
After seeing his team lose 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, Liverpool coach Slot was asked about the brief hush. He responded, “I don’t think this was planned.” Perhaps the fan was thrilled and wanted to applaud his team without realizing the minute’s silence. The Palace supporters then attempted to calm him down, to which our supporters responded.
“I don’t believe they were intentional. I’m an optimistic individual. I observe how Diogo and Andre are treated with respect everywhere around the world.”
Anfield star Ian Rush and Crystal Palace chairman and co-owner Steve Parish put wreaths in honor of Jota and his brother prior to the game.
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