
Liverpool legends pay touching tribute to late Diogo Jota at first Anfield fixture since forward's tragic death
Thompson was joined by Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte ahead of their clubs' friendly double-header on Monday night as the pair laid wreaths in memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
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The duo carried the wreaths amid applause and Jota chants from the packed Anfield crowd, before laying them down in front of goal at the Kop end.
The tribute marks the Reds' first return to their home since Jota's sad passing in early July.
A similar tribute from a Liverpool legend has also been performed at each of Liverpool's past two fixtures, during their Asia pre-season tour.
Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath in Hong Kong ahead of their contest with AC Milan, while Ian Rush took on the responsibility in the build-up to their friendly with Yokohama in Japan.
Jota and his brother were driving in northern Spain last month when a blowout reportedly caused the Portuguese star to lose control of his Lamborghini and veer off the road.
The incident left the football world in mourning with tributes pouring in for the 28-year-old from all corners of the globe.
Liverpool have since retired his number 20 shirt at the club in his honour.
There were concerns ahead of the game that the match and its heartfelt tribute would not be able to go ahead at all.
Parts of Anfield had to be evacuated less than an hour before kick-off due to a an emergency alarm.
A club statement read: "Shortly before 15:50pm there was a false alarm in the Anfield Main Stand, leading to supporters in that area of the stadium to be temporarily evacuated."
A Month Without Diogo Jota: Rute Cardoso's Heartfelt Tribute
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There was no delay to kick-off in the end and the plans went ahead uninterrupted.
Fans did not have to wait long once the game kicked off, with youngster Rio Ngumoha opening the scoring inside two minutes with a beautiful curling strike.
Nunez previously honoured former team-mate Jota by mimicking his signature celebration after scoring in a friendly last month.

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