London, UK — July 6, 2025
Just hours after sharing emotional tributes to Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s beloved forward who tragically passed away in a car accident last week, several first-team players have found themselves at the centre of a growing backlash — after being caught on camera laughing, drinking, and celebrating at a private event.
Photos and short clips leaked late Saturday night show at least five prominent Liverpool players at an upscale London club, raising champagne glasses and posing for group selfies, just hours after attending a “private memorial gathering” for Jota at the training ground.
The leaked images, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), sparked immediate outrage.
“They wore black at Melwood, then popped bottles in Mayfair. What exactly are we mourning here?” — wrote one angry supporter.
⚽ “A Tribute… or a PR Move?”
Earlier that same day, Liverpool FC’s official channels posted black-and-white images of players laying flowers, bowing their heads, and hugging Jota’s family. The club’s statement described it as “a moment of unity, honouring a brother in red.”
But now, critics are calling the whole thing into question.
“If you can grieve in the morning and party at night, were you ever grieving at all?” — asked one pundit on Sky Sports News.
🎥 The Footage That Sparked the Fire
The video clip — reportedly filmed by a DJ’s assistant — shows two Liverpool players clinking glasses and mouthing what appears to be, “Life goes on, mate.”
In another still image, one player flashes a peace sign while holding a bottle of rosé. In the background, “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis plays.
Fans weren’t amused.
“Millions cried for Jota. His teammates? They went clubbing,” posted another viral comment with over 80,000 likes.
🧨 Fan Backlash Explodes
The reaction has been swift and brutal:
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#ShameOnLFC trended on X in the UK by Sunday morning.
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Several fan pages have temporarily blacked out their logos in protest.
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One banner spotted outside Anfield last night read: “You mourn with your soul, not your camera.”
🎙️ Club Responds — But Vaguely
Liverpool FC issued a short statement early Sunday:
“Our players are human, and their ways of processing grief may differ. We stand by the unity they showed during this difficult time.”
But critics say the statement dodges the real issue — public sincerity vs. private behaviour.
🔮 What’s Next?
While no official disciplinary action is expected, club insiders admit the incident has soured morale, especially among fans who saw Jota as the club’s emotional heart.
As one supporter wrote:
“Jota gave everything. And when he was gone, all they gave him was a photo op — and then a party.”
As the debate rages, one question hangs in the air like the last note of a requiem:
Were they honouring his memory — or just managing the optics?
Either way, Diogo Jota deserved better.