The Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was left dissatisfied after a minute's silence in honour of Diogo Jota needed to be minimize brief by the referee earlier than kick-off within the Group Defend at Wembley.
Jota and his brother André Silva died in a automotive crash in Spain on 3 July and each had been honoured earlier than kick-off with wreaths laid on the pitch and a interval of silence. The second was interrupted by a minority of supporters from the Palace finish, eliciting a powerful response on the different finish of the pitch, in addition to from different Eagles followers, who tried to silence these not respecting the tribute.
“Sure, I'm dissatisfied,” Van Dijk stated. “That's the solely factor I can say. I don't know who did that however there was a lot making an attempt to shush it down, however clearly that doesn't assist it. However it's what it's. You'll be able to't management what number of followers had been right here right this moment? Was it 80,000 individuals? So, yeah, it's disappointing to listen to that, but when that particular person or these individuals can go dwelling and be proud of themselves, then …”
Liverpool followers earlier paid respects with a rousing rendition of You'll By no means Stroll Alone because the wreaths had been introduced out, elevating a white banner studying “Diogo J” and that includes the ahead's picture and quantity 20.
The Liverpool nice Ian Rush, the Palace chairman, Steve Parish, and the Soccer Affiliation chair, Debbie Hewitt, laid the wreaths on the Liverpool finish, as followers from each golf equipment expressed their respect with a standing ovation because the late siblings' photographs had been displayed on the massive screens contained in the stadium.
On the disruption, the Liverpool head coach Arne Slot responded diplomatically. “I'm a optimistic particular person and if I have a look at the respect that has been paid to them each,” he stated. “I don't suppose he had a nasty intention, the man or guys. The followers of Crystal Palace and all over the place around the globe have paid big respect to Diogo and Andre.”
