Minute’s Silence for Diogo Jota Abruptly Ended After Wembley Tribute Disrupted

Published: 11 August 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

The planned minute’s silence in honour of late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was cut short at Wembley Stadium on Sunday after being disrupted by noise from a small number of Crystal Palace supporters. The tribute, held before the Community Shield clash between Liverpool and Palace, was intended to commemorate Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, who both died in a car crash in Spain on 3 July.

As wreaths were solemnly laid on the pitch and Liverpool fans softly began to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone, the stadium fell into respectful quiet. However, within 20 seconds, the silence was interrupted by shouts from the Palace end. Referee Chris Kavanagh, sensing the moment had been compromised, brought the tribute to an early close.

The disruption drew an immediate and sharp reaction from the Liverpool contingent, while many Palace supporters attempted to hush those responsible.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed disappointment after the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw and was settled in Palace’s favour on penalties. “I don’t know who did that, but there were plenty trying to shush it down. Obviously that doesn’t help. You can’t control 80,000 people, but it’s disappointing to hear. If that person or those persons can go home and be happy with themselves, then…” he said, leaving the thought hanging.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot urged understanding, suggesting the disturbance may have been a misunderstanding rather than an act of disrespect. “I don’t think this was planned or intentional. Perhaps the person wasn’t aware it was a minute’s silence and was just cheering for their team,” he explained. “Palace fans seemed to be trying to calm that person down, which itself caused noise, and then our fans reacted. It was unfortunate timing, but I don’t think there was bad intention in it.”

The sombre occasion came just over a month after Jota’s sudden death shocked the footballing world. Known for his sharp finishing and tireless work rate, the Portuguese forward had become a fan favourite at Anfield. Across the sport, tributes have poured in, with teams, supporters, and former teammates honouring both Jota and his brother in matches and memorials around the globe.

Despite Sunday’s brief disruption, respect for the late forward has been widely observed. Many in the game, including Crystal Palace officials and supporters, have expressed condolences and admiration for Jota’s career and character, marking his loss as a tragedy felt far beyond Merseyside.