Things have taken a grim turn following the conflict between Israel and Palestine. A former Liverpool striker and his assistant, also an ex-Premier League player, have been caught in the midst of the violent skirmishes between Israel and Palestine.

Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane and his assistant Rory Delap, who is most well known for his trademark long throws whilst at Stoke City, have both been forced to evacuate the country after hiding in a panic room.

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane and assistant manager Rory Delap were forced to flee Israel

Robbie Keane and Rory Delap, who are managing Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, had to leave Israel for safety after violence broke out in the region. Both ex-Premier League players were in hiding in a panic room while a flurry of rockets from the Gaza Strip bombed Israel.

Following the breakout of attacks, a club statement from Maccabi read: ‘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.’

Robbie Keane was a household name in the UK during his playing days scoring 125 goals in 345 games in the Premier League playing for the likes of Liverpool and Spurs amongst others. However, Keane has since taken to management and was appointed as boss of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv earlier in June this year.

He was doing a commendable job in Israel until the aggressions escalated having afflicted the country severely.

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Keane enjoyed an impressive start to life in Israel before the conflict

Since Keane joined Maccabi, the club has enjoyed a lot of success and is currently top of the Israeli league table. Keane also successfully guided the club to two domestic cup triumphs and led the Israel outfit to the UEFA Conference League.

However, his good start to the season was cut short after Hamas aggressors attacked Israel from Gaza. The former Republic Of Ireland striker turned manager managed to safely fly to Greece along with his assistant Delap. As lives are tragically being lost amidst the battle, it’s certainly good news that both Keane and Delap have made it out of the country safely.

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