Slot downplays interruption in tribute to Jota in Community Shield

Liverpool manager Arne Slot played down the interruption of the minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota by some Crystal Palace fans, before the start of the Community Shield at Wembley.Tributes were paid to former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident last month along with his brother André Silva. They were honored with floral offerings on the field and a minute of silence before the initial whistle.A minority of Palace supporters broke the silence, which provoked a strong reaction at the other end of the field, as well as from other Palace supporters who tried to silence those who did not respect the tribute.

I don’t think this was planned, or that this was the idea of the fan who made noise. Maybe he wasn’t aware that it was the minute of silence.

Arne Slot

Slot continued by saying that the fan was probably just excited about the match and that Palace’s own supporters tried to calm him down. The coach believes there was no ill intention behind the interruption.

Slot added that the situation was unfortunate and that he hopes the next home game against Bournemouth will be respectful.Liverpool fans previously paid tribute with a moving rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” while floral tributes were displayed, showing a white banner with the phrase “Diogo J” and the image of the forward with the number 20.The club’s all-time top scorer, Ian Rush, Palace chairman Steve Parish, and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt laid floral tributes at the Liverpool end, while fans from both teams showed their respect with a standing ovation as images of the brothers were displayed on the stadium’s giant screens.