Former Rangers striker lands top job after ex-Celtic boss accused of sexually harassing taxi driver

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Martin Macdonald | Author

Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Ronny Deila has been put on a leave of absence by the club after being accused of sexual harassment by a taxi driver in Israel.

The former Celtic boss was the subject of a complaint by a female driver following a late-night drinking session at a bar, and he later admitted that an "incident occurred."

The club confirmed: “Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club and head coach Ronnie Deila have reached a mutual agreement that he will take a leave of absence from his position immediately for personal reasons. Kenny Miller will be appointed as interim head coach.”

That is indeed the same Kenny Miller who played for Rangers over three spells between 2000 and 2001, 2008 and 2011 and 2014 and 2018.

He has acted as Deila's assistant at Maccabi Tel Aviv only since February but has now been handed the reins as head coach while Deila sorts out his legal issues.

The club tasted defeat in their last match against Beitar Jerusalem and Miller says he wants the team to just concentrate on matters on the pitch as they look to bounce back.

“We are a big club and it’s important we recover from what has happened," he said after being appointed as caretaker boss.

“There was disappointment with the result, but at this stage of the season, there is no time to dwell on it. We have to move on to the next game.

“The players have reacted well in training. There was good energy in training the last two days. We are in a situation where we have to recover. We have already proven this season that we know how to do it

“This is definitely a significant part of the season. This format is new to me, when you play against the best teams in the league twice, so there are no easy games.

“It is exciting to fight for points and titles and that is exactly where the players want to be.

“The atmosphere inside Bloomfield Stadium is something very special. It’s important that the fans push us forward to the end of the season.”

In addition to his work in Israe, Miller was previously player/manager at Livingston and held coaching roles with Falkirk, Western Sydney Wanderers, Atlanta United and Huddersfield Town.

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As for Deila, he says his memory of what occurred in the incident with the taxi driver is hazy.

As quoted by outlets Kan and 13TV, Deila said: “I would like to address the matter that arose against me during the day.

“An incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, during my trip home in a taxi.”

“I do not remember the details of the incident, as I had too much to drink and therefore chose to take a taxi.

“If my words offended the taxi driver, I apologise to her sincerely and wholeheartedly for that. I would also like to apologise to all the club members and to our wonderful fans.

“This conduct does not meet the standards and values that I set for myself.

“I take responsibility for the situation and undertake to learn from it, improve and handle these matters in a professional and appropriate manner.

“Again, I sincerely apologise.”

Miller will take charge of his first Maccabi Tel Aviv match on Tuesday when they face Hapoel Petach-Tikva FC.