Liverpool stars pay perfect tribute to Diaz during winger's family kidnap ordeal

29 October 2023 , 14:49

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Jota held aloft Diaz's shirt after scoring (Image: PA)

Diogo Jota and Liverpool's players showed team-mate Luis Diaz that he was on their minds as they celebrated their first goal against Nottingham Forest in the wake of their absent winger's terrifying family kidnap ordeal.

Jota slotted home in the 31st minute of the clash at Anfield after Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner had parried an effort from Darwin Nunez. The Portuguese, who had effectively come into Liverpool's Premier League side for Diaz, was all alone at the back post and slotted in with ease.

The forward then ran towards the Reds bench with his team-mates and picked up a Diaz No.7 Liverpool shirt, holding it aloft to the crowd. Liverpool supporters responded by singing Diaz's name as they showed him that he was very much on their minds.

Diaz was absent from Liverpool's matchday squad on Sunday after his parents were kidnapped in his native Colombia on Saturday evening. His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was quickly rescued, however his father is still reported missing.

Liverpool said in a statement on Sunday: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia. It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."

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Jota and Liverpool's players paid tribute to their team-mate (AFP via Getty Images)

Reds boss Klopp, asked about the situation ahead of the match, said: "We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz. It's a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before. It's a new experience I never needed."

Authorities in Colombia are working hard to help find Diaz's father, with the player being kept abreast of the latest situation.

The Colombian attorney General's office also said in a statement: "From the moment when Colombia's General Prosecutor's Office learned of the kidnapping of the parents of Colombian player Luis Díaz in the Barrancas area of La Guajira, a specialist team of prosecutors, CTI (Technical Investigation Team) officials and investigators from the police and military have been taking urgent action to locate these individuals, clarify the chain of events and identify the culprits."

Mark Jones