Some fans within Wembley cried out during the silence held in memory of Dio Gojota before the Community Shield. It marked Liverpool’s first competition equipment since the Portuguese forward death, who was killed along with his brother Andre in a car accident last month. It came a few days after Jota married his long-term partner, Root Cardoso.
There was supposed to be a minute of silence in memory of Jota and his brother before Sunday’s match with Crystal Palace began. However, it was shortened just 10 seconds later, as many fans heard the screams from the stands. The suspension was filled with big boos from Liverpool supporters who attended Wembley.
The majority of the crowd respected the silence and began to praise him as the judge blew his whi to inform the end of the silence.
TNT sports commentator Darren Fletcher said, “Why are there so many people on Earth who are ruining that moment within the stadium that are clearly ruining me?”
Liverpool has honored Jota in a unique way by making an emotional addition to the kit for the community shield. The phrase “Forever 20” nodded to the forward’s team number and was etched inside the played shirt and stadium jacket.
Prior to the match, Reds manager Arne Slot praised the players for their strength and fortitude as they dealt with Jota’s tragic death.
He told the FA website:
“I can’t imagine the pain that Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends are experiencing. The club will continue to give them all the support they have in the future.
“Diogo’s death had a huge impact on us all, but what was so important was the love and care shown by the world of football, especially the Liverpool FC community.
“I would also like to mention the strength and courage of the players here. I realized they were in one of the toughest positions I could imagine.
“But the way they came together and how they did themselves on and off the pitch is a credit to them and this football club. We really wouldn’t have been able to ask the boys more. I’m very proud of them all.
“We always carry Diogo with us in our minds, our thoughts, wherever we go.”
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