When I first arrived at Anfield just an hour after the shocking news about the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, just a few scarves and flowers had been laid - within hours it was a sea of red.

It was only in May I was reporting from Water Street in Liverpool city centre as the club dealt with the shock of the trophy parade crash that left over 100 fans injured, including children.

Now just weeks later the club - that has suffered the prolonged agony of the Hillsborough stadium disaster - is facing yet another devastating tragedy.

The initial feeling among fans dashing to Anfield was of shock. But as more gathered the tears started to flow and it sunk in that a genuine fan favourite had gone forever.

And so young. Aged 28, 10 days after his wedding. A father of three children with his now widow Rute Cardoso - and the family also facing the added loss of Diogo's younger brother Andre, 25, who also died in the crash in Spain.

As the morning wore on and the sun baked the red and brown stadium's facade, the numbers increased. Not just fans but media.

Opposite the famous 'Liverpool Memorial' - dedicated to those 97 fans who lost their lives At Hillsborough on 15th April 1989 - on a small stretch of grass on the Anfield Main Stand concourse known as '97 Avenue' dozens of black buckets were laid out to hold fans flowers.

By midday they were all full.

One tribute of white flowers spelled 'Jota' and 'YNWA' - standing for You Never Walk Alone, the club's iconic anthem.

Later Liverpool staff started to erect metal barriers but there was no need, no aggravation - just hugs, tears and pure, raw emotion.

One of the many fans I spoke to almost broke down weeping as he told me: "it feels like a disaster movie. I can't think it's real.

"He had only just got married and had kids. Now his wife's a widow. It's truly awful. His parents have also not just lost Diogo but his brother too. They have lost both boys. My heart goes out to them."

The club will honour their lost star as Liverpool FC know how to support their fans in moments of crisis.

But one thought has already been echoed by dozens of Merseyside mourners - Jota's No. 20 shirt should be retired and never worn again.

The start of many fitting tributes to a player who shine on glory nights at Anfield and lit up his fans' hearts.