Cohen remembered in tributes

Tributes have flowed for former Liverpool defender Avi Cohen, who died on Tuesday after a motorcycle accident in Israel.

Cohen, whose son Tamir plays for Bolton, sustained severe head injuries in the accident last Monday and failed to recover.

Cohen made 24 appearances for Liverpool after joining the club in 1979, and also represented Rangers and Maccabi Tel Aviv in his homeland.

Former team-mate Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to the former Israel international soon after the news broke of Cohen’s death.

“Avi was a lovely man who will be remembered fondly by everyone at Liverpool who knew him,” Dalglish told Liverpool’s website.

“He quickly integrated himself into the football club when he joined us and spent a lot of time learning English which really made him popular. He was well liked by all the lads and although he didn’t spend a long time at the club, he certainly left his mark and no one will forget how he helped us win the league against Aston Villa.”

“My thoughts and those of everyone connected to the club are with Avi’s family.”

Owen Coyle – manager of Tamir Cohen at Bolton – also offered his condolences on the club’s website: “All of our thoughts are with Tamir and his family following the news that Avi Cohen has passed away.”

“We are saddened by this news and we would request the Cohen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”