Nir Bitton has mysteriously been sent home by Israel for ‘disciplinary reasons’ – and it reportedly involves him refusing to take part in a training exercise.
The Celtic midfielder had joined up with his national team for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Albania on Saturday.
But he’s now been sent back to Glasgow, according to Israeli journalist Raphael Gellar:
Just in from the Israel Football Association: Celtics Nir Bitton has been released from Israel National Team duty for disciplinary reasons.
— Raphael Gellar (@Raphael_Gellar) November 10, 2016
According to dailyrecord.co.uk, he refused to take part in a training exercise and was unhappy that he wouldn’t play against Albania.
A statement from the Israeli FA read: “”t is the end of the story for Nir Bitton in the national team under the current coach.”
Bitton would have been hoping for some game time with Israel after losing his place in the Celtic team recently.
He started the season as one of Brendan Rodgers’ first choice players, but he’s had to settle for a place on the bench of late after Stuart Armstrong impressed him.
The Israel FA should make an official announcement about Bitton later today and we’ll be sure to update you on the situation then.
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