Liverpool and Bournemouth fans united in grief and remembrance at Anfield on Friday, paying an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, during Liverpool’s first competitive match since their tragic deaths last month.
Before the Premier League clash, which Liverpool won 4-2, a period of silence was held as fans raised placards that spelt out “DJ20” and “AS30” across two stands in memory of the Portuguese footballers who lost their lives in a car crash in Spain.
Liverpool players linked arms in a circle at the centre of the pitch, while both teams, along with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his staff, wore black armbands.
The atmosphere was deeply poignant as Anfield resounded with a powerful rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Scarves, flags and banners honouring Jota filled the stands, while an image of him and Silva was projected onto the stadium’s big screen.
In the 20th minute, the crowd broke into applause, lifting shirts and scarves high as one final salute to Jota, who had been a key figure for Liverpool over the past five seasons. During his time at the club, he won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Liverpool have since retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt in his honour and announced plans for a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield to ensure his legacy endures.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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