PREMIER LEAGUE legend Robbie Keane was one of thousands of people forced to take cover in Israel following Hamas’ deadly attacks on the nation.
Israel came under attack from the Palestinian terrorist organisation on Saturday.
Hamas blasted several Israeli cities with rockets, some of which made it as far as the holy city of Jerusalem.
Tel Aviv also came under rocket fire, forcing Keane – the manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv – to seek refuge in a panic room.
That’s according to talkSPORT, who claim the Irishman and his assistant Rory Delap spent several hours in the room before managing to flee the country.
The pair, 43 and 47 respectively, are said to have sought refuge in Greece.
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Maccabi were due to play Hapoel Jerusalem on Sunday before all football matches in the country were postponed.
“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,” a club statement read.
“Please listen to the instructions of security forces and stay safe.
“Together we will win.”
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Keane’s wife Claudine took to Instagram to reshare the message with the accompanying caption: “Stay safe everyone, I’m praying for you all.”
Tel Aviv airport was last night swarmed with people trying to leave the country following Hamas’ attacks, which were completely missed by the IDF.
Scores of desperate people packed Ben Gurion International Airport to try and escape the danger.
Warning sirens echoing around the airport repeatedly forced desperate Israelis making their way to the few planes to leave the country to lie down on the runway and take cover.
Prem legend Keane took the Maccabi job in June and opted to bring good pal Delap along with him.
Upon his arrival in Tel Aviv, he said: “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.”
Keane refused to be drawn on the politics of the region after inking his two-year contract with the club.
He said: “I don’t want to get into politics.
“This is the last time I will say it, I certainly don’t want to get into politics.
“I’m here as a football man and someone that loves the game.
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“So I will certainly just focus on that but thanks for your question.”
Keane’s troops have shone so far this season, topping the Israeli Premier League with four wins from their five matches so far this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
