Nottingham Forest issue statement after footage of fan interrupting Diogo Jota tribute emerges

Nottingham Forest have issued a statement after footage of a fan interrupting a moment of silence for Diogo Jota circulated online following their win over Brentford.

Premier League clubs agreed to hold a moment of silence ahead of all games on the opening weekend in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were both killed in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3.

Former Liverpool and Wolves forward Jota died at the age of 28 alongside his brother, who was 25 at the time.

Players across the Premier League wore black armbands at the weekend, while all teams held a moment's silence in memory of the pair.

But there was controversy at the City Ground after one supporter appeared to interrupt the planned silence ahead of Forest's game against Brentford, which ended in 3-1 win for the home side.

In footage filmed by a Brentford supporter in the away end, an apparent Forest fan can be heard shouting "What about Terry Hennessey?" - referring to the club's former player, who died last week at the age of 82.

The supporter is shushed by others in ground before another fan attempts to start a chant for Hennessey, before he himself is silenced by others in the ground.

Fans on social media were quick to react to clip.

"You can't blame Nottingham Forest, the majority of them were clearly not happy with it," wrote one fan on TikTok.

"A few individuals don't represent the whole fanbase."

While another added: "As a Forest fan, I'm lowkey ashamed."

Nottingham Forest have now issued a statement confirming the club initially considered a tribute to Hennessey at the same time as the moment of silence for Jota and Silva, but opted against it.

"Nottingham Forest was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Hennessey, a true great of our football club whose immense contributions will never be forgotten," read a club statement released on Tuesday.

"We recognise that many supporters were surprised there was no tribute to Terry ahead of our recent fixture against Brentford.

"On that occasion, all Premier League clubs agreed to honour the lives of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva following their tragic passing. While we considered paying our respects to Terry at the same time, after internal discussions, we felt this would not have shown the full respect that Terry, or Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, deserve.

"Therefore, we will mark our tribute to Terry Hennessey ahead of our home fixture against West Ham United on Sunday 31 August.

"We hope you will all join us in celebrating his life and legacy."

Nottingham Forest next face Crystal Palace away from home on Sunday before hosting West Ham the following weekend, when the tribute to Hennessey will take place.