Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come forward to defend Crystal Palace fans who were accused of disrupting the minute's silence held in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before the Community Shield match at Wembley. The silence was cut short by referee Chris Kavanagh after boos and shouts were heard from the east end of the stadium, where Palace supporters were seated.

Speaking after Liverpool's 3-2 penalty shootout loss, Slot expressed his belief that the disruption was unintentional. "I don't think this was planned, or that this was the idea of the fan that made some noise. Maybe he wasn't aware of the fact that it was the minute of silence," Slot said. "He was just still happy and tried to cheer for his team. And I think then the fans of Palace were trying to calm that person or those persons down, so I don't think he had a bad intention, the guy or people that made noise."

The incident occurred during a highly emotional moment for Liverpool, as the club had recently retired the number 20 shirt in honor of Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident last month at the age of 28. His brother Silva, aged 25, also lost his life in the crash.

Slot further emphasized the respect shown by fans worldwide for Jota and Silva, stating, "The fans of Crystal Palace and everywhere around the world have paid huge respect to Diogo and Andre, and this was I think unlucky or, I can't find the right words, but I don't think there was a bad intention in it."

The match itself was a thrilling encounter, with Palace twice coming from behind to force a 2-2 draw before winning on penalties. Liverpool's new signing Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring, but Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized from the spot. Jeremie Frimpong then scored a goal timed at 20 minutes and 20 seconds, a poignant moment given Jota's shirt number during his time at Anfield.

"It is incredible. Some things are just meant to be. It is unbelievable, isn't it?" commented Darren Fletcher on TNT Sports. "You just have to look about. There are a lot of stunned people at the moment."

Liverpool will now look to regroup as they prepare to face Bournemouth in their next fixture, with Slot hoping for a respectful tribute to Jota and Silva.