Memorial for Diogo Jota: Liverpool fan disrupts the mourning and the victory with racism

Memorial for Diogo Jota: Liverpool fan disrupts the mourning and the victory with racism 16.08.2025, 08:20

The Premier League season opener makes it clear once again: Liverpool FC will be without Diogo Jota. The match against AFC Bournmouth is a tribute to his memory, as the players emphasize. But one fan is setting unnecessary priorities.

A sea of flowers lay at the memorial for the late Diogo Jota, and in the stadium, fans honored their former player and his brother André Silva with a minute's silence and a grand choreography: Liverpool FC's Premier League season opener was extremely emotional. Amidst the grief, however, the team and fans also had a chance to celebrate: the final score was 4-2 (1-0) against AFC Bournemouth – a successful start to their mission to defend their title.

Liverpool fans honored their former player and his brother, who died in a car accident in Spain on the night of July 3, by holding up green, red, and white pieces of cardboard in two stands, forming the initials and shirt numbers of the two Portuguese players: "DJ20" and "AS30." During the anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," numerous scarves and flags bearing Diogo Jota's image were also visible.

"Very moving for me"

After the highly emotional overture, Hugo Ekitiké, who had transferred to Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt, opened the scoring with his first Premier League goal (37'). The Frenchman also provided the assist for Cody Gakpo's second goal shortly after halftime (49'). Antoine Semenyo then equalized with a brace (64', 76'), but substitute Federico Chiesa (88') and Mohamed Salah (90'+4') brought the Anfield crowd to their feet.

"My goal was a great moment for me, but my thoughts are with Diogo. Today was his day," Chiesa said after the match. "The feeling the fans gave me when they sang Diogo's song throughout the game was very moving for me."

Racism outrages the clubs

On a memorable evening, however, a Liverpool fan also caused an unpleasant moment with a racist outburst. Referee Anthony Taylor suspended the game for two minutes after discriminatory gestures were reported directed at Semenyo, a Ghanaian who would later score two goals.

"This was completely unacceptable. I'm shocked this happened in this day and age. I don't know how Ant could have continued playing and scored the goals he did," said Bournemouth captain Adam Smith. The fan was taken away by police during halftime. The league said the incident is now "the subject of a thorough investigation." "We support the player and the clubs."

Liverpool also expressed their dismay. "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms; they have no place in society or in football," they said in a statement. The club will "fully support" the police investigation.