‘That just defies logic’ - Ally McCoist hits out at Crystal Palace fans who ruin Wembley tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva

A tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva was cut short prior to the Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley after jeers from the stands.

Reds forward Jota died in a car crash along with his brother Silva in Spain on July 3 and were honoured with wreaths laid on the pitch and a period of silence before kick-off.

Liverpool supporters paid respect with a rousing rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as the wreaths were brought out, raising a white banner reading ‘Diogo J’ and featuring the forward’s image and number 20.

Liverpool great Ian Rush, Palace chairman Steve Parish and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt laid the wreaths in the Liverpool end, as fans from both clubs expressed their respect with a standing ovation as the late siblings’ images were displayed on the big screens inside the stadium.

Liverpool fan with a scarf in memory of Diogo Jota REUTERS/Toby Melville

Liverpool are spending big, but will it mean another Premier League title?

The moment of silence was interrupted by a minority of fans from the Palace end, eliciting a strong response at the other end of the pitch, as well as other Palace supporters, who tried to silence those not respecting the tribute.

“Why on earth there are a certain few inside the stadium who would spoil that moment is absolutely beyond me,” declared TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher.

Co-commentator and former Rangers striker Ally McCoist was also bemused by the incident as he added: “That just defies logic.”

Reds boss Arne Slot on Thursday told the FA website he was immensely proud of how his Premier League champions had dealt with the tragedy.

He said: “This summer has been difficult for everybody connected with the club,” said Slot. “The passing of Diogo Jota had a big impact on all of us and is something that we are still coming to terms with.

“We cannot imagine the pain that Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends are going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward.

“Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.

“I also want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable, but the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club. We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all.

“We will always carry Diogo with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”

Click here to read article