LIVERPOOL, UK (AP) — Liverpool players and fans paid emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on Friday in their first competitive match at Anfield last month.
Prior to the kickoff in a Premier League match against Bournemouth, fans held up placards and spelled out “DJ20” and “AS30” in two stands during the silent period, paying tribute to the Portuguese player killed in a car accident in Spain. Players from the Liverpool team stood arm-fold around the centre circle.
Players from both clubs were wearing black armbands, as were Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his backroom staff members.
Before that, there was a production that said, “You never walk alone” as flags, flags and scarves were waved in the crowd to commemorate Jota. Photos of Jota and Silva were displayed on the big screen.
Jota has played for Liverpool for the past five seasons, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, and the club has Retired his 20th jersey number.
Liverpool will hold a permanent commemorative sculpture at Anfield to honor Jota.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
