Topics: Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Diogo Jota
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a response after the minute's silence for Diogo Jota at the Community Shield on Sunday.
Liverpool faced Crystal Palace at Wembley in season curtain-raiser, which was won by the FA Cup holders on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
But there was controversy before the game when there was a special tribute to late Liverpool star Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain with his brother Andre Silva in July.
Liverpool players wore a special 'Forever 20’ emblem printed onto their shirts for the game and Reds legend Ian Rush and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish presented wreaths onto the pitch.
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A minute's silence was then signalled by the referee Chris Kavanagh but it did not last the full duration, with the official cutting it short after shouting was heard from the Crystal Palace end.
Liverpool supporters booed in response, with Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail calling the culprits "scumbags" whilst noting that the majority of Palace supporters were respectful.
In the mixed zone after the game, Van Dijk was asked about the interrupted and told journalists: "[I was] disappointed, that’s everything I’d say - there was plenty trying to shush it down but that didn’t help. It’s disappointing to hear that. (I hope) those people go home and be happy with themselves."
Palace supporters were widely condemned for failing to pay respects but 'Five Year Plan', a popular Crystal Palace fanzine, issued a statement to provide some clarification on what happened.
According to the account, Palace supporters had issues getting into their section at Wembley and were delayed in getting into the ground - and so were unaware that the minute's silence was taking place when they entered the concourse.
The group said they were "certain" the moment of silence would not have been interrupted.
"A word on the Jota silence incident," a post on X read.
"A lot of our fans had difficulty getting into the ground. Stewarding was a mess. Some came into the concourse without realising what was going on.
"All we can do is apologise. It’s a disappointing thing to have happened and we’re sorry. We’ve had a good rapport with Liverpool fans over the years. We don’t do tragedy chanting, we care for our community. We have a lot in common as fans.
"We’re certain no one would have intentionally disrupted the moment of silence. Our thoughts are with Diogo, Andre and family."
