Liverpool’s moving Diogo Jota homage after Preston win leaves Andy Robertson in tears, chokes up commentators

 

Liverpool paid a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota after the Preston win, leaving Andy Robertson in tears and commentators visibly emotional.

After the full-time whistle was blown by referee Darren England at the pre-season match at Deepdale Stadium in Preston—where Liverpool defeated Preston North End 3-1—fans at the away end paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota. The scenes left Liverpool commentators and Scottish left-back Andy Robertson visibly moved.

Andy Robertson overcome with emotion during the tributes to Diogo Jota(PA)

The Portuguese forward, who played 182 games for the Reds and scored 65 goals, tragically passed away in a car crash in Spain earlier this month, alongside his brother André Silva. The accident came barely two weeks after Jota had married his wife, Rute, leaving her and their three children behind. Sunday's match marked Liverpool’s first outing since the devastating news.

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Tributes to Jota were seen all around the pitch. Liverpool fans held up banners and sang the iconic anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Liverpool academy player Conor Bradley chose not to celebrate his goal out of respect for the late forward. Meanwhile, striker Darwin Núñez paid homage by mimicking two of Jota’s signature goal celebrations—the famous ‘Shark’ and the ‘Gaming’ gestures. Left-winger Cody Gakpo joined in as well, performing the Shark celebration after scoring Liverpool’s third goal.

One of the most poignant moments came after the final whistle, when players and coaching staff—including those who didn’t feature in the match—stood together and applauded for five minutes as Jota’s tribute song echoed around the stadium.

It was a lot to take in for Liverpool FC commentators Gary Gillespie and John Bradley on LFC TV, who were audibly emotional as they described the moving scenes. Andy Robertson, one of Jota’s closest friends at the club, shared on social media that he had to step aside during the tribute, admitting he found it tough to be around his mates and needed a moment alone.