Two Premier League heroes flee Israel after 'hiding in panic room' amid Hamas attacks

Israel attacks

Israel attacks: Hamas have bombarded the region with rockets leading to casualties and heavy damage

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/10/2023

- 13:19

The duo are working at Maccabi Tel Aviv

Former Premier League footballers Robbie Keane and Rory Delap have reportedly been forced to flee Israel following attacks by Hamas militants on Saturday.

Keane is currently manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Delap working as his No 2.


On Saturday, Hamas militants fired rockets at Israel - with over 400 people dying and another 2048 injured so far.

And reports say Keane and Delap have both been caught up in the chaos out in the Middle East.

Premier League Robbie Keane Rory Delap

Israel attacks: Robbie Keane and Rory Delap previously played in the Premier League

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It's claimed the two have now fled Israel after hiding in a 'panic room' while the attacks were taking place.

They have gone to Greece in order to be safe, with Keane previously appointed as manager of the side back in June.

His wife, Claudine, re-posted a club statement by Maccabi on Instagram.

She wrote: "Stay safe everyone, I'm praying for you all."

The club's statement said: "The Maccabi Tel Aviv club, its managers, players and employees give strength to the security forces, the residents of the south and of all Israel in these difficult times.

"Please listen to the instructions of security forces and stay safe. Together we will win."

Keane and Delap have worked wonders at Maccabi in the short time since their arrival.

The team have won four of their five Israeli Premier League matches so far, sitting top of the table as a result.

Maccabi have also won two domestic cup games, too.

And they were able to reach the group stages of the UEFA Conference League after coming through two qualifying rounds.

The attacks on Israel in the Gaza Strip was the deadliest day of violence in the region for 50 years.

Israel have responded with warplanes bombing Gaza in retaliatory strikes.

North artillery strikes were also carried out in Lebanon after rockets were directed towards Israeli territory.

Upon taking the job at Maccabi back in June, meanwhile, Keane expressed his delight by saying: "I am happy to take on this challenge at Maccabi.

"My team and I are already looking forward to starting work and we are confident in our ability to do what is necessary to prepare."

The attacks on Israel in the Gaza Strip was the deadliest day of violence in the region for 50 years.

Israel have responded with warplanes bombing Gaza in retaliatory strikes.

North artillery strikes were also carried out in Lebanon after rockets were directed towards Israeli territory.

Upon taking the job at Maccabi back in June, meanwihle, Keane expressed his delight by saying: "I am happy to take on this challenge at Maccabi.

"My team and I are already looking forward to starting work and we are confident in our ability to do what is necessary to prepare."

Posting an image of the banners on social media, Bitton quote: "Shame on you!!! Yes free Gaza from Hamas not from Israel!!

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Robbie Keane

Israel attacks: Robbie Keane started working at Maccabi Tel Aviv back in June

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"Supporting terror organisation who's proudly celebrating the slaughtering of families is absolutely crazy!! Embarrassing.

"Most of you don't even know where Israel is!!

"You have zero clue about this conflict and you still act like you know everything.

"As a father for 3 kids I want to see how you react when your innocent kids getting slaughtered and kidnapped in front of your eyes!

"And please don't tell me this is what Israel do to Palestinians because this is far from being true!!

"Stop being brainwashed and biased and educate yourself with facts!!"

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