**Cemetery Closed and Police Called as Fans Take Selfies at Diogo Jota’s Graveside**
A graveyard in Gondomar, near Porto, was hastily shut and law enforcement summoned on Saturday after football fans seeking selfies caused disruption in the wake of the burial of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. The two brothers, who lost their lives in a devastating car accident earlier in the week, were laid to rest following an emotional ceremony attended by the football community and grieving family members.
Diogo Jota and Andre died tragically in the early hours of Thursday morning when their vehicle veered off the road in north-western Spain, igniting into flames. Their sudden passing has reverberated through the world of football, with an outpouring of support and remembrance from clubs, players, and supporters worldwide. The funeral took place at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar Catholic church, attracting a strong media presence and sea of mourners.
Notably, the event brought together some of the game’s biggest figures. Team-mates from Liverpool, including Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, were among those travelling to Portugal to pay their respects in person. A number of Portuguese national team regulars also made the journey, underlining Jota’s impact both at club and international level.
A private wake on Friday had been attended by Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he had only recently married, alongside other close relatives. Despite the tone of profound respect throughout the main ceremony, trouble began after the official proceedings ended and the burial site was initially opened to the public.
According to on-the-scene reports, some fans began taking photographs and selfies next to the brothers’ graves, behaviour which was swiftly deemed inappropriate by funeral organisers. As word spread, crowds grew, necessitating police intervention. Officers were seen positioned near the graveyard to restore calm, with the cemetery briefly closed once more to maintain order and respect for the deceased.
This incident has reignited debate about public behaviour at memorial sites and the boundaries of fan interaction, particularly when public figures are involved. Many onlookers and local residents expressed dismay that a period of mourning was disturbed in such a way, with several football supporters and community members stating that the focus should have remained on commemorating the brothers’ lives rather than on personal photographs.
Inside the church, the service was led by Bishop of Porto, Dom Manuel Linda, who addressed the congregation with words of compassion, especially directed toward Jota’s three children, who were not present. He spoke movingly about the pain endured by the bereaved family, noting the unimaginable agony a mother or grandparent faces in losing not one, but two loved ones simultaneously. His remarks underscored the raw emotional weight felt in the community and among the attendees.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief, yet also emphasised solidarity within football. Jota’s close friend and international colleague, Ruben Neves, travelled from the United States, where he was participating in the Club World Cup, just to assist in carrying the coffin. Testimonies from friends and team-mates, such as Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, highlighted not only Jota’s achievements on the pitch, but also his warmth and camaraderie off it.
Speaking after the service, Silva reflected on the lasting impact Jota had: “Jota will always be in our hearts. He will always be present at every breakfast, lunch, dinner, national team gathering, or card game.” The sentiment was echoed by many present, each remarking on Jota and Andre’s tenacity, humility, and endeavours as both athletes and individuals.
As news of the events travelled, tributes continued to pour in from across the footballing landscape. It is hoped that, in time, the focus can return to celebrating the legacies of Diogo and Andre Jota, both in football and in life, with dignity and respect, without the distraction of untoward behaviour. The incident also serves as a sombre reminder for fans everywhere: moments of tragedy call for collective compassion and decorum above all else.