'Broken' commentator apologises in response to Diogo Jota tributes at Preston vs Liverpool

Liverpool commentator John Bradley has revealed he was left broken after covering Liverpool's first match following Diogo Jota's passing. The Reds took on Preston North End in their opening pre-season friendly as they were forced to confront life without the forward on the field

Jota, and his brother Andre Silva, died in a car crash earlier this month and the football world has been in mourning since. Tributes have flooded to the brothers' hometown in Portugal and Anfield, but Deepdale became the latest site of rememberance on Sunday.

Flags, shirts and scarves bearing Jota's name and No.20 adorned the stands as Liverpool fans repeatedly sang his name. And it proved a difficult match for all involved as players were left fighting tears come supporters' full time tribute as they continued to sing about their beloved player.

Bradley was on the microphone for the match and had his own emotional struggles as he witnessed the scenes around him. And the commentator took to social media to apologise.

"Thanks for all the lovely messages," he said. "Hardest commentary I’ve ever done in my life.

READ MORE: Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo produce three Diogo Jota celebrations in lovely Liverpool tributes

READ MORE: Real reason Florian Wirtz missed Liverpool's emotional first pre-season fixture at Preston

"Hope we gave you a feeling of how special it was to be at Deepdale today. I feel a bit broken now and am sorry for the tears, but in that moment, it couldn’t be helped."

Messages poured in for Bradley to commend him on his work to translate the experience of being at Deepdale to the wider world.

"Class personified John, never apologise for pure emotion, it’s who you are, it’s who we all are," said one user. "Watching in Brazil and loved it. Well done," said another.

"John, both you and Gary did very well this afternoon," commented one fan. "Please do not apologise for the tears as it was such an emotional game. To be honest, I suspect most of us were in the same boat, as we watched the game unfold on the television."

Another supporter agreed: "Thanks John and no need to apologise. You and Gary really encapsulated how we were all feeling in that moment. The tribute at the end was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time."

It was an emotional occasion from the off as supporters called out Jota's name before a ball had even been kicked.

A renditition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Claudia Rose Maguire, wife of former Preston player Sean, ahead of the game. Preston captain Ben Whiteman walked the length of the field before laying a wreath in front of Liverpool's fans in the Bill Shankly stand.

After 20 minutes, in relation to Jota's shirt number, fans were once again calling his name. Everyone rose across all four stands to applaud the late Portugal star.

And Jota was present in the celebrations of each of Liverpool's goals. Conor Bradley looked to the sky following his opening goal, while Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo both recreated iconic Jota celebrations.

But what will remain with most will be the tributes from the stands come the final whistle as Liverpool players and coaching staff applauded their supporters and embraced the emotional impact of the day.