“LIBERTAD PAPA PAPA (Freedom to my father)” Liverpool striker Luis Diaz (26, Colombia) scored a goal and visited his father.
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Luton Town in the 11th round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) held at Kenilworth Road in Luton, England, on the 6th (Korean time). Liverpool, unable to win against a promoted team, missed the opportunity to move up to second place and ended up in third place.
The away team, Liverpool, added Dias to the substitute list. Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, and Mohamed Salah were brought to the forefront. They fired shots at Luton Town's goal early in the first half, but they rarely resulted in a goal. Rather, they allowed a counterattack in the 35th minute of the second half and conceded a goal to Tait Chong.
Dias came on as a substitute in the 38th minute of the second half and led Liverpool's attack. Eight minutes of extra time were given in the second half, and Dias had a chance to score around the fifth minute. He tied the score at 1-1 with a header from Harvey Elliott's cross.
Despite scoring a dramatic goal, Diaz's expression was not bright. With a heavy expression, he lifted his uniform top and showed the message. The phrase ‘Freedom to the Father’ was written on a white t-shirt. Liverpool teammates hugged and comforted Dias.
On the 29th of last month, Diaz's parents were threatened 은지를보지 by gunmen in Barrancas, a city on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. The vehicle in which Diaz's parents were riding click here was captured by these gunmen and went missing. About an hour after the kidnapping, only Diaz's mother was released.
Diaz's father is still kidnapped. The Colombian government said, “The kidnapping of Diaz’s parents was led by the National Liberation Army of Colombia (ELN). “The incident took place in Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia,” he said. “Kidnapping is a clear crime that violates international law. “The ELN will have to release Diaz’s father in accordance with the peace agreement with the government,” the statement said.
After hearing the news, the Liverpool club excluded Dias from games and training and advised him to rest in order to protect his mind and body. They also released a statement saying, “We wait for Diaz’s family to return safely to him.” The players also cheered for Diaz. The Colombian Football Association also said, “We are one with Diaz’s family. “I hope the police authorities resolve this situation as soon as possible,” he appealed.
Immediately after the incident, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said, “I was very sad to hear about the kidnapping of Dias’ parents. We all pray for the safe return of the Diaz family. Everyone at Liverpool will help Diaz in any way they can. “Preparing for a match without Diaz is the hardest thing in my life,” he said, unable to continue.
“I hope international organizations will guarantee my father’s freedom,” Dias said after the Luton Town match. Please do your best. Our family's feelings are so devastating that it is difficult to express them in words. This pain will never end if my father is not released. “I beg for my father to be released as soon as possible,” he said.