who said anything about fishing for sympathy?
Premier League matches are watched all around the world. That information would travel back to the family very quickly. I am not convinced, 'we don't like Liverpool or their fans', will be seen around the globe as a valid reason.
All the patriots, surely want the UK, viewed in the best possible light, globally?
I believe, it is being done throughout the season, to give more people chance to pay their respects. Diogo Jota was revered in the FIFA gaming world long before he joined Liverpool FC.
Personally, if people want to make themselves look a bit cuntish, they can go ahead and so do.
The fanbase will, rapidly, be transitioning into being similar to the ones they claim to despise.
I say, pick your potato.