Newcastle United Fans Preparing Heartfelt Tribute to Diogo Jota

Newcastle United Fans to Honour Diogo Jota with Emotional Tribute

Newcastle United supporters are preparing a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, following the tragic passing of the Liverpool forward in a car accident during the early hours of Thursday morning. Jota, aged 28, died alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, who was 26.

The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with tributes pouring in from across the sport. Liverpool legends such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have publicly honoured Jota and his brother, joining many others in mourning the loss.

Liverpool FC has announced that Jota’s No. 20 shirt will be “immortalised”, with plans to retire the number in his memory. If confirmed, Liverpool would become the 12th club in England to retire a squad number.

Newcastle to Host Liverpool on August 23

Liverpool are set to face Newcastle at St James’ Park on August 23 in what will be Newcastle’s first home match of the Premier League season. In light of recent events, Newcastle fans are organising a special tribute during that game.

Newcastle Supporters Worldwide have called on all fans attending the match to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone—Liverpool’s iconic anthem—at the start of the fixture. The gesture is in remembrance of Jota and mirrors Liverpool fans’ show of solidarity in 2023 when they sang the same song to honour the late Newcastle player Christian Atsu, who tragically lost his life in an earthquake in Turkey.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the group wrote:

> “A few years ago when Atsu died, we played Liverpool at home and they showed respect by singing YNWA.
We now play Liverpool in our first home game of the season. We are asking all fans in attendance against Liverpool to sing YNWA at the start of the game to show respect to Jota. Share this to everyone you know who’s at the game on the 23rd of August. RIP JOTA, YNWA.”

Tributes Continue Across the Football World

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his sorrow in a club statement, saying:

> “The sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. A teammate, a colleague, a workmate — and in all of those roles, he was very special.”

Liverpool’s pre-season schedule is now uncertain, with their first friendly against Preston on July 13 in doubt. The Reds have four more friendlies planned, culminating in the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on August 10.

In response to Newcastle fans’ planned tribute, many Liverpool supporters expressed gratitude on social media. One fan commented, “This is an amazing gesture and shows why Newcastle fans are a different class.” Another added, “As a Liverpool fan, this is a great touch. Rivalry goes out the window at times like these.”