06.09.2025 18:51
Virgil van Dijk Criticizes Wembley Crowd for Disrupting Jota’s Tribute
Updated on: Aug 11, 2025 11:23 am IST
Virgil van Dijk voiced his anger, condemning those who disrupted the tribute to Diogo Jota during the prominent match.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk openly criticized the behavior of some fans who tried to disrupt the tribute for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before the Community Shield game. Before the match at Wembley Stadium, both teams’ players and support staff took a moment of silence to honor Jota and Silva, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain in July. During the moment, a few Palace fans interrupted the silence, prompting a strong reaction from other spectators who sought to restore the tribute’s solemnity.
This was Liverpool’s first significant match since the tragic loss of 28-year-old Jota. He and his brother died when their Lamborghini crashed and caught fire near the city of Zamora.
After the match, Van Dijk expressed his frustration, criticizing those who disrupted the tribute during the important encounter.
“Yes, I am disappointed,” Van Dijk remarked. “That is all I can say. I don’t know who did that but there were many trying to silence the disruption, but it wasn’t enough. But that’s reality. You can’t control the entire crowd of what, 80,000 people?” he said. “It is disappointing to hear that, but if the individual or those individuals can return home feeling satisfied, then…” he continued.
Earlier, Liverpool supporters honored Jota with a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone as wreaths were brought onto the field. A large white banner was displayed, featuring the words “Diogo J,” along with Jota’s image and his number 20.
Fans of the Premier League champions also paid tribute to Jota with applause at the 20-minute mark of Sunday’s game, which transformed into cheers when newcomer Jeremie Frimpong scored, putting Liverpool 2-1 in the lead.
However, Liverpool ultimately lost the trophy to Crystal Palace after a penalty shootout defeat.
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News / Sports / Football / Virgil van Dijk voices his anger over Diogo Jota’s tribute disruption at Wembley: ‘If those persons can go home and…’