Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was bothered on Sunday by the way the minute of silence for Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva was disrupted before the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace.
Embed from Getty Images
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his disappointment and frustration on Sunday after a minute of silence, held in memory of teammate Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, was disrupted before the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
The match itself ended in a 2-2 draw, with Liverpool eventually losing in the penalty shootout, but the solemn tribute before kick-off was overshadowed by noise and interruptions from sections of the crowd.
The minute of silence had been arranged as a gesture of respect following the tragic news that Jota and his brother had passed away, a loss that has deeply affected not only the Liverpool squad but also the wider football community. Wembley’s giant screen displayed a message urging everyone present to observe the silence, and players from both sides stood in the centre circle, heads bowed. However, moments into the tribute, voices, shouts, and other noises could be heard around the stadium, breaking the atmosphere of reflection that the occasion demanded.
Van Dijk, speaking to TNT Sports after the match, made no attempt to hide his feelings. “Yes, I’m disappointed,” he said plainly. “That’s the only thing I can say about it. I don’t know who did it, but there were plenty of people trying to hush it down, so that doesn’t help, of course. But it is what it is. You have no control over 80,000 fans. I wonder if that person or those people were satisfied with themselves on the way home.” His words reflected both the helplessness players feel in such moments and the respect they wish to show when a teammate is grieving.
The disruption was widely condemned on social media, with many supporters expressing shame that such behaviour occurred during what was meant to be a moment of unity. Football, for all its rivalries and competitiveness, has a long tradition of pausing to honour those who have passed away, and breaches of that etiquette are often met with widespread criticism.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot also addressed the incident in his post-match interview. While he focused primarily on the team’s performance, he made it clear that the behaviour of those who disrupted the tribute was unacceptable. Slot emphasised that the moment had been arranged out of respect for Jota’s family and that such occasions should be observed with dignity. He also confirmed that Liverpool would mark the loss again at Anfield before their first home match of the season, ensuring that both the players and the fans have a proper opportunity to pay tribute in an environment they can better control.
The match itself had been a lively affair, with both Liverpool and Crystal Palace producing moments of attacking quality. The 2-2 draw was ultimately settled by penalties, where Palace held their nerve to lift the Community Shield. For Liverpool, however, the result seemed secondary to the emotional weight of the day. Jota, who has been an important figure for the team in recent seasons, was not present, and his absence was felt not only in the line-up but in the mood of the occasion.
As the Premier League season approaches, Slot and Van Dijk will be tasked with guiding the team through a challenging emotional period. The home opener against Bournemouth on Friday will now carry an added layer of significance. Beyond the usual excitement and pressure of a new campaign, the fixture will be a chance for Liverpool fans to unite in remembrance and solidarity. At Anfield, with a fan base known for its passionate and respectful tributes, the club hopes the silence will be observed in full, allowing Jota’s memory, and that of his brother, to be honoured properly.
The events at Wembley serve as a reminder that moments of respect in football depend on the collective behaviour of tens of thousands of people. While the majority on Sunday stood in silence, the small minority who broke it left a lasting negative impression. For Van Dijk, Slot, and the Liverpool squad, the focus will now shift to the season ahead but the hurt caused by the disruption to Sunday’s tribute is unlikely to fade quickly.
Updated: 11:08, 11 Aug 2025
