Diogo Jota graveyard closed off after funeral as vile selfie-seekers show no respect

The public was barred from entering the graveyard as Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were laid to rest on Saturday morning. The brothers were buried at a church in Gondomar, close to Porto, Portugal, following their tragic passing in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning.

An array of football personalities attended the poignant service held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar catholic church. Among those present were Jota's Liverpool colleagues, such as Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, as well as numerous Portuguese international players. The burial came after a private wake on Friday, which saw the attendance of Jota's wife Rute Cardoso, whom he wed last month, and his family.

Despite the deeply emotional nature of the event, it proceeded with respect until issues later emerged. The cemetery was initially reopened to the public following the conclusion of the burial ceremony for Jota and his brother Andre.

However, The Mirror reports it had to be closed again shortly due to "disrespectful" individuals entering to take selfies with the gravesites. Countless football supporters lined the streets of Gondomar to observe the funeral from the vicinity of the church.

While most behaved with decorum, the reopening of the graveyard led to disturbances that required police intervention.

Jota and his sibling died when their Lamborghini veered off the carriageway in north-western Spain before catching fire. The tragic deaths have prompted an overwhelming wave of sorrow throughout the football community, with the funeral proving deeply moving.

Wolves and Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves made the journey from America, where he had been competing in the Club World Cup just hours before, to help carry his friend's coffin.

Bishop of Porto Dom Manuel Linda conducted the funeral service, and addressing Jota's three children, who were absent from the ceremony, the Bishop delivered a poignant message explaining the significance of the numerous attendees, including dignitaries. He said: "If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry."

He continued: "The ones who suffer a lot are your mother and your grandparents. Seeing the mortal remains of a child must be a greater torment, but when there are two urns there are no words."

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was present at the service and said: "I can't even imagine the pain felt by the family, by Rute, by the children, by the parents. For Andre and Jota. I must say a little about Jota, who was a great friend to all of us.

"His career, although not the most important, speaks for itself. He didn't train at any of the big clubs and took the most difficult paths. His passion, will and determination allowed him to succeed in life and have a brilliant career.

"His career, although not the most important, speaks for itself. He didn't train at any of the big clubs and took the most difficult paths. His passion, will and determination allowed him to succeed in life and have a brilliant career.

"More important than that, as a person... the memories that remain... Jota will always be in our hearts. He will always be present at every breakfast, lunch, dinner, national team gathering, PlayStation or card game."