Ronny Deila has revealed that he was forced to flee Israel by travelling overland by bus to Egypt after more bombings in the Middle East…
The former Celtic manager only took charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv last month, appointing ex-Celtic and Ibrox forward Kenny Miller as his assistant.
His move drew criticism in Norway, where political leaders and public figures have been outspoken in condemning Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict with Palestine, with the country also cutting diplomatic ties.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East, including US strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks, led to the suspension of all football in Israel for the foreseeable future.
Deila – who spent two seasons at Celtic and lifted two league titles along with a League Cup, confirmed he departed after just four matches in charge – opting to leave the country swiftly as the security situation deteriorated.
As reported by Daily Record, Deila said: “I was transported by bus to Egypt and I will now go to Greece to see my family. The club has been fantastic and I have felt safe and taken care of, but the family has of course been anxious. Football has been shut down and there are no training sessions.
“It was a great experience until the war broke out. I am going to take care of my family and to keep out of danger. I hope the war ends quickly, so that the damage is as minimal as possible and so that football can start and I can return to finish the job,” Deila added.
Elsewhere, the SFA has confirmed the refereeing team for Celtic’s Premiership fixture away to Aberdeen tonight.
The two sides had originally been scheduled to meet last month, but the match was postponed after a late inspection ruled the Pittodrie surface unfit three hours before kick-off.
Following the Hoops’ 2-2 draw with theRangers, Celtic now head to the north-east knowing a win could lift them above their Glasgow rivals into second place while also reducing the gap to leaders Hearts to five points.
For this evening’s encounter at Pittodrie, Nick Walsh has been appointed as referee. He will be supported by assistant referees Daniel McFarlane and Colin Drummond, while Chris Graham will handle VAR duties from Clydesdale House, with Duncan Williams acting as his AVAR.
Hopefully the pitch is in better shape this evening than last month when the Celtic travelling support was greatly inconvenienced by the very late call-off.
Conor Spence
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Also hopefully the team is in better shape.hh