Van Dijk ‘disappointed’ after Jota tribute cut short at Wembley

LONDON, Aug — Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said he was “disappointed” after a minute silence for former teammate Diogo Jota was cut short before the Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday.

Liverpool and Palace paid tribute to Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain in July along with his brother Andre Silva. Reds players wore shirts with a “Forever 20” emblem & wreaths were laid on the pitch by Liverpool great Ian Rush Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Referee Chris Kavanagh signalled the tribute, but ended it early after shouting was heard from the Palace end some Liverpool fans booed in response.

“Disappointed, that’s all I’ll say,” Van Dijk told reporters “Plenty tried to shush it down but that didn’t help. I hope those people go home and be happy with themselves.”

A Crystal Palace supporters’ group later apologised, saying many fans were delayed entering Wembley and did not realise the silence was in progress.

“Stewarding was a mess. Some came into the concourse without realising what was going on,” the group posted on social media. “It’s a disappointing thing to have happened and we’re sorry. We’re certain no one would have intentionally disrupted the moment of silence. Our thoughts are with Diogo, Andre and family.”