ANGRY Virgil van Dijk slammed the Crystal Palace fans who forced Wembley’s planned silence for Diogo Jota to be cut short.
Within seconds of referee Chris Kavanagh blowing his whistle to start the minute-long tribute to the late Portuguese striker and his brother Andre, jeers from the Palace supporters reverberated.
ReutersVirgil van Dijk slammed the Crystal Palace supporters who made noise during the silence for Diogo Jota[/caption]
GettyWembley paid tribute to Jota and his brother Andre Silva following their tragic deaths[/caption]
While some embarrassed Eagles supporters urged their fellow fans to be quiet, it had no impact.
That led to loud jeers of disgust from the Liverpool faithful at the other end of the stadium.
And Kavanagh had no option other than to finish the gesture way before the scheduled end.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot attempted to play down any indignation but his Anfield skipper Van Dijk went on the front foot.
The Dutch defender said: “Yeah, I’m disappointed – that’s everything I’d say.
“There was plenty trying to shush it down but that didn’t help – it is what it is.
“There were how many fans? 80,000 people.
“It’s disappointing to hear that.
“If those people can go home and be happy with themselves…”
But while Van Dijk slammed Palace fans, boss Slot opted for diplomacy.
He said: “I don’t think this was planned.
“Maybe the fans weren’t aware there was supposed to be a silence and just wanted to cheer for their team.
“The Palace fans were trying to calm them down but that made noise and then our fans reacted.
“But I don’t think there was any bad intention. Fans of Palace, everywhere around the world, have paid huge respect to Diogo and Andre.
“And we will see on Friday, when Bournemouth come to our stadium, how respectful that’s going to be.”
Liverpool twice led thanks to goals from new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong – the second a cross that looped in.
But Palace battled back both times, initially through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty and then a fine Ismaila Sarr finish.
And in the shootout, Dean Henderson was the hero as Mo Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott failed from the spot before Justin Devenny’s winning effort.
TNT SportsOne Eagles fan got ‘One Football Family Diogo J’ with the No20 on the back of a Palace shirt[/caption]
GettyReds fans brought banners and flags to honour Jota[/caption]
GettyIan Rush and Steve Parish were part of the ceremony[/caption]
GettyLiverpool players stood to remember their former team-mate[/caption]
GettyThe red flowers were laid at the Liverpool end of the pitch[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
