Diogo Jota moment of silence forced to end early before Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

A minute's silence in memory of Diogo Jota was disturbed by a small portion of Crystal Palace fans ahead of their meeting with Liverpool for the Community Shield at Wembley.

Jota, 28, tragically passed away alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, following a car accident in Spain last month. Sunday's match at Wembley marked the first time Liverpool have played competitively since Jota's death and tributes were held before kick-off.

But a planned minute's silence to honour the Portugal international was marred by a small number of Palace fans, who could be heard making noise.

Liverpool fans responded by booing angrily with referee Chris Kavanagh opting to cut the minute short.

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher acknowledged the incident, saying: "Why on earth there are a certain few inside the stadium who would spoil that moment is absolutely beyond me."

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Wreaths were laid in tribute to Jota before the silence by Debbie Hewitt of the FA, the Liverpool icon, Ian Rush, and Steve Parish, Crystal Palace's chairman.

Liverpool fans paid their own tribute to Jota after 20 minutes of the match, standing as one and applauding in honour of the former Wolves, Porto and Portugal striker.

During that moment, new boy Jeremie Frimpong scored for the Reds to make it 2-1 at Wembley in a powerful, poignant moment.

Arne Slot paid tribute to Jota before the game, telling the FA website: "This summer has been difficult for everybody connected with the club. The passing of Diogo Jota had a big impact on all of us and is something that we are still coming to terms with.

"We cannot imagine the pain that Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends are going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward.

"Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.

"I also want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable.

"But the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club. We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all.

"We will always carry Diogo with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go."

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