Liverpool fans have called for an unprecedented decision following the death of Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, died alongside his brother Andre Silva after the pair were involved in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on Thursday.
The 28-year-old Portugal international and Silva, also a professional footballer at second-tier Portuguese side Penafiel, were travelling in a vehicle which caught fire before flames spread to the vegetation, as per the Zamora Provincial Council.
“Two young people die in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria),” a statement from the Council read.
“The Rionegro del Puente Fire Station (Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium) responded.
“The vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread to the vegetation.
“They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP.”
Jota’s death came just two weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso.
Tributes have been paid by several clubs and high-profile figures in the footballing world, including Porto, Wolves and Liverpool, who released a statement which read: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragheralso paid tribute.
He wrote on X: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Now, the club’s supporters are calling for an unprecedented decision to be made following the player’s death.
Several supporters on social media have suggested that Jota’s shirt number ‘20’ should be retired as a tribute to the forward.
One fan said: “Retire his number… nobody else should wear the number 20. Awful, awful news.”
Another added: “Retiring his No. 20 would be a beautiful tribute. Jota was one of the most dangerous players off the bench. “
A third suggested: “I’ll never forget you. Rest easy, number 20. You’ll never walk alone.”
Liverpool have never retired a shirt number previously.
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