Championship announcements postponed after Diogo Jota tragedy
Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you news of announcements that were due to take place today
Championship clubs are believed to have decided to postpone announcements in the wake of the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
Sky Sports and the EFL were expected to confirm which matches are to be moved in August and September for live coverage, having set a target of one week after the fixture release to make their picks public.
Derby County fans already know that their opening-day game against Stoke will be shown on Sky Sports+ and will kick off at 3pm. on Saturday, August 9. All mid-week games, including Carabao Cup ties, will also be shown live on TV, and a couple more are likely to move in the first couple of months.
But everything is likely to be pushed back as the football world takes in the shock loss of 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal star Jota, who was killed alongside his 26-year-old brother Andre in a car crash in Spain this morning.
Jota, who had only just helped Liverpool win the Premier League and Portugal win the Nations League title, had married his long-term partner and mother of their three children only two weeks ago.
He had undergone minor surgery in the close season and the BBC claims he had been advised not to fly, instead returning to Liverpool by ferry. He was due to make the journey to start pre-season next Monday.
He had been playing in England since 2017, initially on loan with Wolves, starring as they won promotion from the Championship. He moved to Anfield in 2020.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said in a post on Instagram: “This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it!
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.”
Derby County are on the lookout for additions after escaping relegation last term and John Eustace could now be set to swoop for a star he has previously worked with, according to a recent report.
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