Liverpool pays tribute to Jota in first competitive match since forward's death

August 12, 2025 00:00:00

Messages from supporters and well wishers are seen written on a wall in tribute to former Liverpool player Diego Jota, on Monday-AFP

Liverpool paid an emotional tribute to its late forward Diogo Jota on Sunday in the club's first competitive match since his death in July, as Jeremie Frimpong scored a bizarre goal in the 20th minute of the game, just as fans were applauding in memory of Jota, who wore the number 20 on his jersey, according to CNN.

The Reds eventually lost their Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on penalties at Wembley Stadium on a day that had both planned and seemingly otherworldly tributes to Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, who both died in a car crash in July.

Ahead of the match, Liverpool intended to observe a minute's silence in memory of the two brothers who died on July 3 after their car came off the road following a burst tire and subsequently went up in flames in the early hours of the morning.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace players line up ahead of kick off as fans display a banner in memory of Liverpool's Diogo Jota.