“LIBERTAD PARA PAPA” (Freedom to Father) Liverpool forward Luis Díaz (26-Colombia) celebrates with his father after scoring a goal. 캡틴토토 주소
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Luton Town in the 11th round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) at Kenilworth Road in Luton, England, on Saturday (Sept. 6). Without a win against a promoted team, the Reds squandered a chance to move into second place and remain in third.
The Reds made three changes to their lineup. Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, and Mohamed Salah started up front. They fired shots at the Luton Town goal early in the first half, but they didn’t convert. Instead, they conceded a goal on the counterattack in the 35th minute to Tight Gunn.
Dias came on as a substitute in the 38th minute to lead the Liverpool attack. Eight minutes of second-half stoppage time were awarded, and five minutes into it, Dias had his chance. He headed home a cross from Harvey Elliott to tie the game at 1-1.
Despite the dramatic goal, Díaz’s face was not a happy one. With a heavy expression, he lifted his jersey top to reveal a message. On his white tee, he had written the words ‘Freedom to my father’. His Liverpool teammates hugged and comforted him.
On March 29, Diaz’s parents were threatened by gunmen in Barrancas, a city on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. The car they were traveling in was seized by the assailants, who disappeared. Only Díaz’s mother was released about an hour after the kidnapping.
Díaz’s father remains in captivity. The Colombian government said, “The kidnapping of Díaz’s parents was carried out by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (ELN). It took place in Barrancas, La Guajira Department, Colombia.” “The abduction is a clear violation of international law. The ELN should release Mr. Dias’ father in accordance with the peace agreement with the government.”
Upon hearing the news, the Liverpool club removed him from games and training sessions and advised him to rest in order to protect his physical and mental health. “We look forward to the safe return of his family to him,” the club said in a statement. The players also showed their support. The Colombian Football Federation tweeted, “We are in solidarity with the family. We hope that the police authorities will resolve this situation as soon as possible.”
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said shortly after the incident: “I was very saddened to hear about the kidnapping of Dias’ parents. We are all praying for their safe return. Everyone at Liverpool will help them in any way we can. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life to prepare for a game without him.”
After the Luton Town game, Dias said: “I hope an international organization will guarantee my father’s freedom. I hope they do their best. My family’s feelings are indescribable. This pain will never end if my father is not released. We plead for his release as soon as possible.”