Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds after Diogo Jota tribute ended early at Wembley

 Arne Slot believes there was no malice intended from the Crystal Palace minority that interrupted the minute silence held in memory of Diego Jota. Wembley paid tribute to the late Liverpool star ahead of the Community Shield but saw the minute's silence brought to a premature end following a disturbance in the crowd.

Jota, 28, tragically passed away alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, after a car accident in Spain. Liverpool's return to competitive action on Sunday marked the first time the Reds have played a game with something on the line since Jota's passing.

Tributes were made ahead of the match, with a banner displaying Jota holding the Premier League trophy with his shirt number, 20, in place and a silence set to precede kick-off. But when a small number of Palace fans were heard making a noise, Liverpool supporters responded by booing angrily and referee Chris Kavanagh opted to cut the minute short.

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher referenced the incident, and said: "Why on earth there are a certain few inside the stadium who would spoil that moment is absolutely beyond me."

Liverpool boss Slot was more forgiving however, with the Dutchman suggested it was all likely the result of misunderstanding.

"I don’t think this was planned,” Slot said. “Maybe the fan was not aware of the minute’s silence and was happy and tried to cheer for his team, then the Palace fans tried to calm him down and our fans reacted. I don’t think they had a bad intention.

“I’m a positive person. I look at the respect paid to Diogo and Andre across the world.”

Speaking ahead of the game, Slot ackowledged the difficult summer his team had endured following Jota's passing. The Dutch coach praised his side and the love that has poured out as a result of the tragedy.

“This summer has been a difficult for everybody connected with the club,” he said. “The passing of Diogo Jota had a big impact on all of us and is something that we are still coming to terms with.

"We cannot imagine the pain that Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends are going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward.

Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.

“I also want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable, but the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club.

"We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all