Liverpool’s Diaz dedicates dramatic equalizer vs. Luton to kidnapped father

Luis Diaz, making his first appearance since his parents were kidnapped in his native Colombia last month, made a dramatic return to Liverpool, scoring the tying goal deep into injury time to help the Reds earn a 1-1 draw at Luton Town.

Liverpool appeared to be on their way to losing after Tahith Chong gave the hosts an unlikely lead in the second half. But the 26-year-old Diaz rose above defenders in the 95th minute to head in the equalizer.

He celebrated the dramatic goal by revealing a message under his kit that read, “Freedom for father.”

Diaz’s mother was released shortly after the abduction. His father remains in the custody of guerrilla group ELN, but negotiations are underway over his release.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told reporters last week that Diaz would decide when to return to the team amid ongoing negotiations in Colombia.

Diaz was included in the squad for the first time since Oct. 21 and was introduced as a substitute for Ryan Gravenberch in the 83rd minute Sunday, three minutes after Luton’s opening goal.

With three minutes left in stoppage time, Harvey Elliott’s curling cross into the box found a soaring Diaz, whose header triggered wild celebrations in the away end at Kenilworth Road.

“It is wonderful he wanted to be here,” Klopp said after the game, according to BBC Sport. “That’s it. For us, a super important goal and for him, very important and emotional, but that’s it.”

The draw helped Liverpool leapfrog Arsenal into third place and helped Luton climb out of the relegation zone.