Premier League
After parents’ kidnapping: Díaz saves Liverpool point
Liverpool’s Luis Díaz (l) showed off a T-shirt with the words: “Freedom for Dad” after his goal. photo
© Zac Goodwin/PA Wire/dpa
Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool FC draw 1-1 in added time against clear outsiders Luton Town. The scorer sends an emotional message.
Díaz’s parents were kidnapped in his home country last Saturday. The mother was saved. Díaz pulled up his jersey after his goal and showed the inscription: “Freedom for Dad” on his T-shirt.
Liverpool started dominantly at the club north of London. There were only a few chances for coach Jürgen Klopp’s team through Darwin Núñez (13th minute) and Diogo Jota (33rd). After the break, Luton Town had a great chance to take the lead. Chiedozie Ogbene was denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Allison Becker (65′). On the other side, Núñez shot over the goal from the best position (70th).
Klopp is annoyed with referees
Then the video assistant was used several times. A possible penalty after a challenge between Teden Mengi and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk was checked but not given. Klopp was annoyed and was warned by referee Andy Madley. A short time later, the Liverpool professionals claimed another penalty. In return, Luton countered the favorites: ex-Bremen player Tahith Chong scored to make it 0-1. After minutes of checking, the goal counted (80th). Shortly before the end, Liverpool’s Díaz came on and headed the equalizer (90+5).
Díaz was back in the Liverpool squad for the first time since his parents were kidnapped. “It’s still pretty emotional,” Klopp explained before kick-off. The father’s release is apparently imminent. “All the signs he’s getting are, as far as I know, very positive,” the coach said.