In the name of the father
Bolton Wanderers player Tamir Cohen dedicates goal to his late father, legendary Israeli soccer player Avi Cohen who died in motorbike crash in December
On Sunday, father and son were reunited, if for only a second, as Tamir paid his late father the ultimate tribute, as he headed a ball into the net for the game winner against Arsenal in the 90th minute.
The Israeli player then removed his Bolton shirt to reveal a picture of his late father, before breaking down in tears.
“This is for you, father,” he said. “I can’t remember what I was thinking at that moment, but I have been thinking for a long time on the moment when I would successfully score and reveal my father’s photo,” he later told Yedioth Ahronoth.
Cohen heads ball into net (Photo: Getty Images Bank)
Sadly, the referee, who had no other choice, was forced to issue a yellow card for Cohen for removing his shirt. After the game ended, the joyous celebrations continued.
“Even the fans came to hug me,” Cohen said. “It was a mixture of happiness and sadness and it just proves that these are true friends,” he added.
Tamir’s father, Avi, was the first Israeli player to play in England where he was a respected defender for Liverpool between 1979 and 1981. He also played for the Rangers, Maccabi Tel Aviv and more. Eventually he retired from playing and went on to become a coach, before passing away in December 2010.
Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life
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