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    Mystery over football fan’s missing £14k Rolex after it was lost during CPR before he died – as son issues urgent plea

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    A HEARTBROKEN son whose father died after receiving CPR at a football game has issued an urgent plea to find a missing Rolex.Jay Gray watched the West Ham match in Stratford, London, on Monday night alongside his dad who suddenly collapsed and passed away.Jay Gray claims the watch went missing as his father was being moved to receive CPRCredit: X/jay grayJay posted a picture of the type of watch alongside his urgent appealCredit: Rolex”Desperately” pleading on social media for the safe return of the watch worth more than £14,000, Jamie ‘Jay’ Gray wrote a detailed account from memory.His post on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “My dad unfortunately collapsed and passed away at the Wolves game last Monday night, he had to be carried up stairs from his seat in block 123 to be able to have CPR performed on him, his watch went missing when he was moved and we desperately want it back.”The caption was shared with a smiling father-son selfie, snapped in front of a football pitch.”Reward for anyone that has any information that results in the return of this watch, my dad wore this every day and it means so much to our family to have it back,” the post went on.Read more Sports NewsJay continued: “Please can anyone associated with West Ham, as well as anyone else that wants to help get this sentimental bit of jewellery back to our family in this tough time please.”So far the post has been viewed by 35 million people with an English football manager and former player helping in the appeal.Martin Allen played more than 100 games as a midfielder for both Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.He wrote: “Horrible news re that West Ham fan that has passed away at our home game last week in the London stadium. Most read in Football”His family have appealed to all of us to help find his watch that has gone missing. Please someone return it.”A friend close to the family took to Facebook to share her condolences and help spread the word.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starLouise Anne said: “PLEASE PLEASE SHARE…”Kev & his family are extremely close to my family, Kev sadly died on Monday evening. “His wife Lou & his kids Taela & Jamie just want the watch back, no one cares who has it or why – they just want it back, Kev wore it everyday.”A spokesperson from London Stadium said: “We would like to send our condolences to the family.”We are assisting the football club by investigating the CCTV footage from Monday evening.”It is thought over 60,000 fans were in attendance at the match, which saw home fans celebrate a 2-1 defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League game took place at London Stadium in Stratford.The Sun has approached West Ham United FC, the London Ambulance Service and Jay Gray for comment. More

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      Kidnapped former Ecuador international star Pedro Perlaza RELEASED as police confirm he was ‘mistreated but alive’

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      AN Ecuadorian footballer who was kidnapped close to the Colombian border has been released.Pedro Perlaza was abducted in the province of Esmeraldas in his native country.Pedro Perlaza has been released after he was kidnapped on MondayCredit: GettyPerlaza’s family reported him missing on Monday evening, with the alleged abduction taking place at 9am that day.But it has now been confirmed by local authorities that he has been released along with another individual.Police posted on X: “Through its specialised units, it freed citizens Pedro P. and Juan M. in #Esmeraldas [northwest], who were involuntarily missing.”Colonel Diego Velastegui, police chief of the oil port of Esmeralda, said: “They have been mistreated, but they are alive.”Velastegui went on to reveal the rescue operation saw the police “greeted with bullets by these criminals when they entered the area”.He also stated the kidnappers left the scene and are “presumed injured”.Perlaza and the other victim were reunited with their families at the police headquarters in Esmeraldas.They were barefoot and wearing caps given to them by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ecuadorian Police.Most read in FootballIt is alleged Perlaza, 33, was intercepted by a motorcyclist while travelling on a road and forced into a vehicle.He has spent his entire football career playing in Ecuador and has won three caps for the national team.He now plays for Ecuadorian top flight side Delfin. More

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      Former Ecuador international Pedro Perlaza ‘kidnapped’ as police investigation is launched

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      A FORMER Ecuador star has allegedly been kidnapped.Pedro Perlaza is believed to have been abducted in the province of Esmeraldas in his native country, close to the Colombian border.Pedro Perlaza has allegedly been kidnappedCredit: GettyA source told an Ecuadorian outlet that police have launched a kidnapping investigation into his whereabouts after his family alleged he had been taken.Perlaza’s family reported him missing on Monday evening, with the alleged abduction taking place at 9am that day.It is claimed Perlaza was intercepted by a motorcyclist while travelling on a road and forced into a vehicle.A statement from Ecuador Police read: “Following the alleged involuntary disappearance of citizens Pedro P. and Juan M. in #Esmeraldas, following the filing of the respective complaint by their relatives, #PoliceEcuador immediately began investigative and operational work around this incident.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA friend, who reported last seeing Perlaza on Sunday at 4pm, said he had not been heard from since leaving training.He said: “We were at the Isla Piedad field enjoying soccer practice and he told me that he was going home to rest and we don’t know what happened to him. “Hopefully we can find out the whereabouts of our friend. He was here this week working on a construction site. He was always supportive. That’s why we’re hurt.”Perlaza, 33, has spent his entire career playing in Ecuador for teams including Juventus and has won three caps for the national team.Most read in FootballHe now plays for Ecuadorian top flight side Delfin, while one of his former clubs Liga de Quito took to X expressing “profound concern and solidarity regarding the news of our former player’s kidnapping”.The club continued: “In this difficult time, we extend all our support to his family, friends and loved ones, reiterating to them that they are not alone.Premier League star became a viral sensation at 12 at Arsenal then was signed by Charlton after playing in a car park”We trust that this situation will find a favourable outcome and that we will soon receive encouraging news.” More

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      Agonising wait for George Baldock’s exact cause of death after it ‘took 5hrs’ for footballer’s body to be found in pool

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      GEORGE Baldock’s body was found in his pool five hours after he died – as an agonising wait has begun to learn the footballer’s cause of death.The defensive ace, 31, was found dead in his swimming pool at home in Athens on Wednesday night.Baldock was playing for Panathinaikos FC this yearCredit: RexBaldock’s body was pulled from the bottom of his poolCredit: LNPEmergency services tried to revive the defenderCredit: ReutersTributes have been laid for ex-Sheffield United playerCredit: GettyA half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police now investigating whether another person was present at the time.Forensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital believe he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.A large amount of water was found in Baldock’s lungs by the boffins – leading police to believe he likely drowned.A police source told the Sun: “There were no bruises or cuts on his body. Read more in football”When he was removed from the bottom of the pool and turned round water gushed out of him, suggesting, of course, that he had drowned.”But it remains unclear why the water got into his lungs in the first place.Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.According to Greek media, Baldock’s wife – who lives in England – was trying to contact the former Sheffield United star and had began to worry.Most read in FootballAfter failing to track him down, she then told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31The Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by emergency services.They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.The emergency service (EKAV) doctor deemed that Baldock’s death had occurred at least an hour before he was found by the landlord.Authorities will check camera footage, although early findings show there is no indication of foul play.Police are investigating whether other people were present at the time of his deathCredit: RexEmergency services tried to resuscitate the player but could not save himCredit: LNPThe autopsy is expected to come out on Friday or Saturday while the toxicology results will take a longer time.Tributes flowed to Baldock following the news of his death.Baldock’s family later released a statement saying: “as a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”The football clubs he played for also released touching tributes.Panathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute.They said: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock celebrates a win against ReadingCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Blackburn star shares joy at his two missing children ‘saved’ as they return after 616 DAYS

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      FORMER Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been found. In January 2023, Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L., went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five).Former Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been foundCredit: GettyIn January 2023 Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L. went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five)Credit: AlamyAn international search began in August for Pricilla and on Friday she finally turned herself in.According to BILD the police revealed: “Ms. L. turned herself into the Monchengladbach district court on Friday, September 20. “The arrest warrant against her was announced and suspended under conditions.”The whereabouts of the abducted children are known. Both are well.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn Instagram, the retired German goalkeeper Reitmaier, 60, expressed his joy, writing, “Hello, it’s done. All wanted ads can be deleted. “Please take them all out, the children are safe. Fortunately. Thank you very much for your support!”Reitmaier told the German news outlet BILD on Friday evening: “I am overjoyed that I was able to see my children again today after 616 days.” His former partner had not returned the children to him on January 15, 2023, as per the custody agreement. Most read in ChampionshipDespite extensive investigations, their whereabouts remained unknown for months.At the request of the public prosecutor’s office, the Monchengladbach District Court issued national and European arrest warrants and ordered a public search for the accused. These were withdrawn after the 35-year-old woman turned herself in.According to BILD, Ms. L. reported to the police on Friday in consultation with her lawyer. She had spent time in northern Germany and Austria while the children were with their grandmother.Reitmaier began his professional career in 1986 with Bavarian club Viktoria Aschaffenburg. In 1990, he signed with Blackburn Rovers but never got the chance to be their No1 goalkeeper and left after a year after making zero caps.His most notable period was with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, where he made 163 appearances from 1998 to 2003.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a distinguished 27-year career, Reitmaier retired at SV Halstenbek-Rellingen. In his final years, he started coaching goalkeepers and since retiring in 2013 he has been the goalkeeping coach at German second-tier side SC Paderborn. More

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      Man City’s Erling Haaland lets his hair down as he boots a ball around on yacht in Cannes after missing Euro 2024

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      NORWEGIAN striker Erling Haaland has a ball on his volley-days after missing the boat on qualifying for the Euros.The Man City net-buster, 23, was seen booting a ball around while on a yacht on a break in Cannes, France.Erling Haaland kicks a ball around after missing the boat on qualifying for the EurosCredit: BackGridThe Norwegian striker let his hair down aboard a yacht on a break in Cannes, FranceCredit: BackGridErling was pictured going on a ride on a jet ski while on his holidayCredit: BackGridHe was joined on the water by pals and his dad — former City and Leeds ace Alfie, 51. Erling has won the Premier League twice, plus the FA Cup and Champions League in the last two years.Last season he scored 45 goals in all competitions for City — and six of Norway’s 14 goals in their qualifying campaign. But they were not enough to get them to Euro 2024, which starts tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn fact, Norway have not qualified for a major tournament since 2000.But Erling kept his skills sharp and let his hair down by going for a ride on a jet ski.Earlier this week, Erling played DJ in Marbella.Haaland and an entourage of friends were spotted partying hard in Marbella, with the group clearly loving life.Most read in Euro 2024Haaland let his trademark long blonde locks flow as the group vibed with DJ Angel Sanchez at the Restaurante Playa Padre.As the music blasted, Haaland danced the night away with a mischievous grin on his face.The Man City ace was also spotted soaking up the sunCredit: BackGridHaaland was joined by friends and family on the luxury yachtCredit: BackGridThe ace scored 45 goals in all competitions for City last seasonCredit: RexErling Haaland lets his hair down as he plays DJ on well-earned Marbella holiday while Man City pals head to Euros More

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      Stoke City appoint Steven Schumacher as manager after missing out on former Chelsea boss

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      STOKE have poached Steven Schumacher from fellow Championship strugglers Plymouth as boss – after missing out on Graham Potter.Schumacher, 39, succeeds the sacked Alex Neil with a 3.5-year contract.
      Steven Schumacher has switched League One champs Plymouth for StokeCredit: Rex
      The former Bury and Bradford midfielder took Argyle up as League One champions last season with 101 points in his second campaign in charge.
      Stoke had been linked with former Chelsea chief Potter.
      But that always seemed optimistic, especially as incoming Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big fan of the ex- Brighton manager.
      Instead, Schumacher comes into the Potters, despite old club Plymouth sitting three points and three points above Stoke in the second tier.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      City are winless for eight games, which means they are also just three points and three positions above the drop zone.
      Schumacher said he was “attracted” to Stoke by “its history and everything it represents”.
      The Liverpudlian told the club’s website: “The values that resonate with me for a Stoke City team are bravery and hard work, coupled with a desire to play attacking football and be a team our supporters can connect with.
      “We have the players to do that and, if we can get back to a point where the Bet365 Stadium is thought of as a tough venue to visit, we can really get it rocking again.”
      Most read in Championship
      Stoke dismissed 42-year-old Neil last week after just six victories in 20 Championship games this term.
      The Scot left Sunderland to take over at the Bet365 in August 2022, with the Potters finishing 16th last season.
      Expectations were higher for this campaign – following a massive summer transfer shake-up.
      But Stoke were a dismal 20th when the axe fell on Neil. More

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      I’m a hostage expert – making deal to release Luis Diaz’s dad can be done in HOURS…but getting him out is dangerous part

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      A DEAL to save Luis Diaz’s dad could be done in hours – but rescuing him from the kidnappers will be the most dangerous part, a hostage negotiator has warned.Notorious Colombian guerrilla group ELN or National Liberation Army confirmed on Thursday that the group was behind the abduction of the Liverpool star’s dad, Luis Manuel Diaz.
      Luis Diaz’s dad was snatched by a group of gunmen in Colombia
      The Liverpool star’s dad is expected to be released soonCredit: AFP
      Hostage negotiator Scott Walker thinks the rescue operation could be complicated

      And while the guerrilla group has offered fresh hope, promising to free Mr Diaz within hours, a hostage negotiator who has worked in South America says the release of a hostage is the most complicated part of the process.
      Due to the high-profile nature of the kidnapping, ex-Scotland Yard officer Scott Walker believes a deal might be struck soon.
      He believes the peace delegation of the government negotiating with the ELN will want to resolve this “as soon as possible”.
      But Walker said the “recovery and release” of Mr Diaz can be the most dangerous part of the operation.
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      He told The Sun: “Reaching an agreement is not the same as a safe release and recovery.
      “Recovery and release can be the most dangerous as people relax and drop their guard. Yet it’s not over until the hostages are safely back.
      “The Colombian government will want this resolved as quickly and as safely as possible which is why theyre throwing lots of resources at it.
      “The negotiators who engage with the ELN anyway about the peace process will be negotiating for the release of Diaz’s father as part of that as well.”
      Most read in Football
      It’s believed a woman known only as Patricia, the leader of one of the regional units of the rebel group, was responsible for orchestrating the abduction.
      A senior Northern War Front member known only as Mateo is said to be holding the 58-year-old hostage with foot soldiers under Patricia’s orders.
      Scott explained that the goal of kidnappers is usually to get “as much money as they can as quickly as they can”.
      But with infamous groups such as the ELN and Farc, there is often “some political concession or some political question” involved, he said.
      The Colombian government is currently engaged in peace talks with ELN and there is a six- months ceasefire.
      “Clearly this guerilla group they are looking somehow to put pressure on those peace talks and increase concessions or even sabotage them,” Walker said.
      Diaz’s father was kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in Barrancas, La Guajira.
      The Liverpool star’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda was also snatched- but was later found in Barrancas.
      Authorities in Colombia have launched a massive police operation to locate the winger’s missing dad and even sniffer dogs were brought in to join the rescue efforts.
      The country’s army has already been joined by an elite police anti-drugs commando squad specialising in complex jungle operations to find the 58-year-old.
      Colombian cops believe the lair of the kidnapping gang is located in the inhospitable jungle terrain of the Perija Mountains near the Venezuelan border.
      Scott believes there is a possibility that the footballer’s dad has been taken across the border to Venezuela – which could make his release even more complicated.
      “The borders at that part of the world are pretty porous so it is a possibility he may be taken over to Venezuela,” he said.
      “It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened and it would obviously make any rescue attempt more difficult if it’s across the border.”
      He explained that even though threats of torture or even murder are commonplace tactics for guerrilla groups, he is confident Luis Diaz’s dad is being treated well.
      He said: “In the vast majority of cases the hostages will be reasonably looked after because it is in the hostage takers interest to do so because it helps with their bargaining power and people arent going to pay a ransome for a corpse.
      “Threats are a commonplace in kidnappings because it puts pressure on the family or the company to pay ransom or give concessions- it’s a standard tactic.”
      Colombian President Gustavo Petro has revealed he has spoken to Diaz personally to reassure him about the government’s efforts to free his dad.
      He said on his official X account: “We have spoken with Luis Diaz yesterday. We are working for the liberation of his father.”
      Earlier this week, Diaz urged his Instagram followers to “march for the release of Mane Diaz”.
      ELN is notorious for massacres and kidnappings is aligned with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
      Farc launched its guerrilla war against the Colombian government in 1964, after a peasant uprising that was crushed by the army.
      Over the decades, the conflict drew in several leftist rebel groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs.
      The Marxist-Leninist group, which in Colombia is called the ELN, was founded in 1964 by radical Catholics inspired by Cuba’s communist revolution.
      It was behind a car bombing in January 2019 at a police academy in Bogota which killed 21 people and injured 68 others, making it one of the deadliest attacks ever in the Colombian capital.
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      Peace talks have been going on between the ELN and the Colombian government since March 2020 when the guerrilla group declared a unilateral ceasefire during the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
      Scott is the author of the Order Out of Chaos: How to become a World-Class Communicator and Win Every Negotiation.
      A massive police operation is underway to locate the star’s dadCredit: Rex
      A guerrilla fighter known only as Patricia is suspected of being behind the man’s abductionCredit: Suministrada
      People march during a demonstration for the footballer’s dadCredit: AP More

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      Luis Diaz dad’s kidnapper named as female guerrilla boss ‘Patricia’ …as ELN terrorists say he could be freed ‘in hours’

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      A FEMALE guerrilla fighter known only as Patricia has been named as the mastermind behind the kidnap of Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad, it was claimed today.ELN rebels yesterday claimed responsibility for the snatching and offered a glimpse of hope saying Luis Manuel Diaz will be freed “in hours”.
      A female guerrilla fighter known as Patricia could be the one behind the horror kidnappingCredit: Suministrada
      The Liverpool star’s parents were both kidnapped in Barrancas on SaturdayCredit: Supplied
      Authorities have launched a massive search for the Diaz’s missing dad
      “We must recognise the situation you have heard in the news is true and the ELN is going to free Mr Diaz’s father as soon as possible,” ELN representative Juan Carlos Cuellar said.
      Earlier on Thursday, the government’s peace delegation charged with negotiating with the ELN called for Diaz’s father to be released immediately.
      “We remind the ELN that kidnapping is criminal, violates international humanitarian law and that its duty in building the peace process is not just to stop [kidnapping] but to eliminate it forever,” Otty Patino, head of the government’s peace delegation, said in a statement.
      The left-wing guerrilla group has a decades-long history of terror – carrying out military-style assassinations, extortion operations and kidnappings.
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      Colombian newspapers are now reporting the ELN’s so-called Northern War Front, led by the 40-year-old who uses the alias Patricia, carried out Saturday’s kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz.
      The veteran insurgent is said to have spent more than half her life at war with the Colombian government.
      She has been identified as the leader of one of the regional units of the left-wing rebel group which has now admitted responsibility for the abduction after being blamed by officials yesterday.
      A senior Northern War Front member known only as Mateo is said to be holding the 58-year-old hostage with foot soldiers under Patricia’s orders.
      Most read in Football
      The ELN, branded a terrorist organisation by the US government and the EU, has claimed it wasn’t aware one of its factions was behind the crime and promised late yesterday Luis’s dad would be released within hours.
      But despite social media speculation a release has already occurred, there has been no official confirmation and critics are branding the ELN claim as “scarcely credible”.
      A quick release might be an option as the Northern War Front currently have a representative at peace talks between the ELN and the government.
      During his negotiations with ELN, Bernardo Tellez said the insurgents have no real desire to free Luis Diaz’s father unless they get paid lots of money to do so.
      A release could also be on the table if the group’s leaders lose control over their regional units – either due to ELN infighting or if the Colombian government succeeds in ceasefire negotiations with the group.
      It comes as President Gustavo Petro promised to bring “total peace to Colombia” by negotiating directly with the country’s armed groups, Al Jazeera reports.
      Not much information has emerged about Patricia, apart from a grainy photo of her in military fatigues.
      She reportedly began her guerrilla career in 2006, rising through the ranks of the ELN to become leader of the December 6 Front and later a senior member of the Northern War Front.
      Patricia is said to have spent 26 years fighting for the violent guerrilla organisation which finances itself from criminal practices including extortion and kidnapping.
      The ELN operates as a federation with regional units enjoying high levels of autonomy.
      The group often implements different strategies according to their local needs.
      Colombian President Gustavo Petro has revealed he has spoken to Luis Diaz personally to reassure him about the government’s efforts to free his dad.
      The Liverpool star spoke to the director of Colombia’s National Police force shortly after Luis Manuel Diaz was kidnapped on Saturday.
      William Rene Salamanca Ramirez told the anguished striker every effort was being made to find the missing 58-year-old.
      Yesterday evening, after the Colombian government confirmed the ELN was behind the kidnap, Mr Petro confirmed he had spoken to the footballer.
      He said on his official X account: “We have spoken with Luis Diaz yesterday.
      “We are working for the liberation of his father.”
      Luis’s relatives prayed for his dad’s safe return at a church near their home overnight.
      The father-of-four and his wife Cilenis Marulanda were kidnapped on Saturday afternoon at a petrol station in his their home town of Barrancas in the region of La Guajira near Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
      Cilenis was abandoned by her captors hours later by the roadside as the police and army hunt for them intensified and reunited with her anguished family.
      An elite police commando squad is focusing its search for Luis Diaz’s dad on the inhospitable Perija Mountains on Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
      Two sniffer dogs called Laticha and Tekila have also been brought in to help.
      A reward of up to £40,000 has been offered by the authorities for information.
      Colombia’s police chief said earlier this week he believed Luis Manuel Diaz’s captors remained in the country and had not fled across the border to Venezuela as first feared.
      On Tuesday afternoon relatives, friends and well-wishers took to the streets of Barrancas to demand his liberation.
      The march began at 5pm local time and finished at the home of Luis Diaz’s parents.
      Locals started decking out shopfronts with white balloons ahead of the protest and preparing banners which read: ‘No Al Secuestro’ and Liberenlo Ya’ – which would translate into English as ‘No To Kidnap’ and ‘Free him now.’
      One local shopkeeper speaking ahead of the street demo said: “We are asking for the swift release of Mane Diaz, the father of Luis Diaz.
      “We want him to return to Barrancas. He needs to return to his family.”
      In a direct message to the captors, he added: “Please, free him. He’s done nothing wrong.”
      In an official statement attributing the kidnapping to the ELN, the Colombian government delegation taking part in the peace talks said yesterday: “We have today been made aware the kidnap carried out on October 28 in Barrancas in the La Guajira region, which Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda the mother and father of football player Luis Fernando Diaz Marulanda were victims of, was perpetrated by a unit belonging to the ELN.
      “Despite Mrs Marulanda being freed hours later, the player’s father has now been kidnapped for five days.
      “As the government delegation for the peace talks with the ELN, we express our solidarity with Luis Diaz, his relatives, with the whole country and with the millions of fans of the footballer.
      “We demand the ELN frees Mr Luis Manuel Diaz immediately and we make it clear here that it is their sole responsibility to guarantee his life and integrity.
      “We remind the ELN that kidnap is a criminal practice which violates International Humanitarian Law and that in the current peace talks process, it is their responsibility not only to stop committing this crime but also to eliminate it for ever.”
      The abduction of civilians has been a traditional practice of the ELN.
      In January 2018 the rebel group kidnapped an oil engineer in the north of Colombia.
      He was named at the time as 41-year-old Andres Riano Ravelo.
      Two Dutch journalists were kidnapped by the group in June 2017, the Colombian military said.
      The ELN said in June when it agreed a ceasefire with the government that it would continue with the twin crimes of kidnapping and extortion “where necessary,” describing them as being essential to the group’s “finances.”
      A negotiator for the group said at the time: “We don’t talk about kidnap, we talk about retentions. If they are not necessary they won’t happen.”
      The Marxist-Leninist ELN, or National Liberation Army in English, was founded in 1964 by radical Catholics inspired by Cuba’s communist revolution.
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      It was behind a car bombing in January 2019 at a police academy in Bogota which killed 21 people and injured 68 others, making it one of the deadliest attacks ever in the Colombian capital.
      Peace talks have been going on between the ELN and the Colombian government since March 2020 when the guerrilla group declared its unilateral ceasefire.

      A sign asking for the release of the father of Liverpool’s Colombian forward Luis Diaz in Barrancas, ColombiaCredit: AFP
      The winger’s dad was kidnapped on Saturday by armed men at a gas station in his hometown of BarrancasCredit: AFP More