Liverpool, Athletic Bilbao Honor Diogo Jota with Matchday Tributes at Anfield

Liverpool paid heartfelt tribute to striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain, during their first home game at Anfield since the loss. The club retired Jota's number 20 shirt at all levels, and both teams, players, coaches, and fans joined in a minute's applause at the 20th minute mark to honor Jota's legacy. Before the match, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte laid wreaths on the pitch, while fans sang Jota's chant and displayed banners and flags bearing his number. The tributes extended throughout the evening, with emotional acknowledgments in the match program and around the stadium, which also saw a brief evacuation due to a false alarm prior to the game. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed the club's ongoing support for Jota's family and the profound impact the tragedy has had on the football community. This solemn moment underscored the unity and humanity within football, transcending competition to remember and honor a beloved player.