Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk responded after the minute’s silence held for Diogo Jota during the Community Shield match on Sunday.
Liverpool played Crystal Palace at Wembley in the season’s opener, which the FA Cup winners claimed on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
However, there was controversy before the match during a tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain along with his brother Andre Silva in July.
Liverpool players wore a special ‘Forever 20’ badge on their shirts for the game, while Liverpool legend Ian Rush and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish laid wreaths on the pitch.
The referee, Chris Kavanagh, called for a minute’s silence, but it was cut short after shouting came from the Crystal Palace section.
Liverpool fans responded by booing. Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail labeled those responsible as “scumbags” but noted that most Palace fans showed respect.
After the game, Van Dijk expressed his disappointment over the disruption, saying: “I was disappointed, that’s all. Many tried to quiet the crowd but it didn’t help. It’s sad to hear. I hope those responsible feel at peace with themselves.”
A popular Crystal Palace fanzine, ‘Five Year Plan,’ offered an explanation for the incident.
They said many Palace supporters had trouble entering their section due to poor stewarding and only entered the concourse during the minute’s silence, unaware that it was happening.
The group apologized for the incident, emphasizing they do not support disrespectful chanting and value the connection with Liverpool fans.
They expressed confidence that no one intended to disrupt the tribute and sent condolences to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, and their families.
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