Liverpool fans have been chastised for an ‘offensive’ banner depicting cocaine smuggling and the alleged illegal drug trade in Luis Diaz’s home Colombia.
Images of the banner, which was constructed ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final in Paris between Liverpool and Real Madrid, have appeared on social media.
The banner states, ‘Only Colombia’s [sic] best passes through Liverpool customs.’
Diaz, who has been an outstanding performer for the Reds since coming from Porto for a sum of £37 million in January, will be hoping to make an impression in the crucial match in Paris.
Liverpool fans attempted to honor the 25-year-old with a banner, but it was received with criticism – both for the misspelling of ‘Colombia’ and for the suggested meaning.
One Twitter user commented, ‘With respect, this is national stereotype that Diaz would despise,’ while another added, ‘I only hope Luis doesn’t see this.’
‘Well done,’ remarked another person. Luis Diaz’s country was insulted twice by you. Because you receive all your cultural learning from Narcos, you misspell Colombia and stereotype the country as a drug-infested country.’
Other social media accounts labeled the banner ‘inappropriate’ and ‘offensive.’
In his 25 games for Liverpool, Diaz has six goals and five assists, and he has impressed with how quickly he has integrated into Jurgen Klopp’s team.
The Colombian international is unlikely to start the final against Real Madrid, where Liverpool will be attempting to capture their third title of the season, and Klopp may name him on the bench.
The final at the Stade de France is expected to draw up to 60,000 Liverpool fans, although the two sides were only allotted 19,618 tickets apiece.