Liverpool and Preston Showed Football’s Power to Heal | OneFootball

The Grief That United Us All

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When it was scheduled last month, Liverpool’s pre-season match at Preston North End was expected to be a typical warm-up, focused on match fitness and emerging talents. Instead, it became a moment of collective remembrance following the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva just ten days prior.

From the early chants of “Oh, his name is Diogo” to the solemn silence that followed the final whistle, this was a day when football became the language of grief. Liverpool supporters at Deepdale were not just fans, they were participants in a shared act of mourning.

For seven minutes after full-time, Liverpool players stood facing the travelling supporters, applauding in rhythm with a crowd that was clearly feeling far more than football. It was spontaneous, respectful and deeply human.

Photo: IMAGO

Dignity in Every Gesture

Preston North End and their fans played a full part in the tone of the day. Club captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath before kick-off and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” carried extra weight as it echoed around the ground. Flags, shirts and photographs created a visual tribute that needed no words.

Darwin Núñez honoured Jota by recreating his celebrations, while Cody Gakpo joined in with his own tribute. These moments felt natural, heartfelt and unfiltered.

Personal Ways to Remember

Supporters responded in different ways. Some sang, some stood silently, some raised Portuguese flags. Many marked the 20th minute with applause or reflection. There was no single way to grieve, and that may have been the most sincere tribute of all.

What unfolded at Deepdale was not about tactics or results. Liverpool did win 3-1, but what mattered most was how people came together. It reminded us that football remains one of the last great shared spaces, capable of expressing emotion in ways no other arena can.

Because sometimes football is the only place we know how to cry.