Neil Lennon given immediate leave by Rapid Bucharest to attend a family emergency

Rapid Bucharest boss Neil Lennon has returned home to attend to a family emergency.

The former Celtic and Hibs manager was named as head coach of the Liga 1 club at the end of May, but the Romanian club have now confirmed that the 53-year-old has been allowed to return home, with his mother in a very serious condition. Ahead of their league clash at home to Sepsi on Monday night, Rapid released a statement on Saturday which read: "Today, Neil Lennon had to return to Ireland due to a family emergency. His mother is in a very serious condition, after a period of several weeks of hospitalisation.

Last night she suffered her second heart attack, and the next 48 hours are going to be critical. The family called Neil home so that they could get through this difficult moment together. The health of those close to us is always important, that's why we are with our coach and we are waiting for him to come back with good news, so that he can be present on the bench for Monday's match. We stay together, especially in difficult times, and we keep our trust.”

The ex-Northern Ireland star has endured a tough start to life in the Romanian capital, failing to win in any of his first three league games. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

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