Celtic legend Bobo Balde in 'psychiatric hospital' after disturbing comments outside school

Former Celtic defender Bobo Balde has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital following a worrying incident in Marseille, according to local reports.

Balde came to the attention of staff at the Accates La Valentine Primary School in Marseille on Tuesday morning as parents were dropping their children off. La Provence reports that he was standing nearby and 'muttering sentences in a foreign language'.

When questioned about his presence at the school gates, the 49-year-old reportedly said he "would leave last " because "he had things to do". He allegedly added that he was on a "mission before dying".

Balde was allegedly then hit with a car and punched in the face by a man, who drove off before the police arrived. The former central defender sustained injuries to his face and was treated by firefighters before being taken to the police station as a victim.

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A police source told La Provence: "He's a very nice person, but he started to make somewhat incoherent remarks, even at the police station. He was questioned, but as a victim, after being hit by the car."

The mayor of Marseille, Sylvain Souvestre, then requested that police stand outside the entrance to the school on the following days, due to the alarm the incident on Tuesday had caused.

Balde was seen once more on Wednesday in the area in the 11th Arrondissement and, when he showed up again the following day, the police came to arrest him. However, due to his dazed state, he was instead taken to the psychiatric emergency room at the Timone Hospital.

Mirror Football has contacted the Marseille Police Department to request comment.

The Guinea international joined Celtic in 2001 from Toulouse and spent eight years with the Scottish giants. He made 229 appearances and scored 16 goals, helping the team win five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

Balde, who was born in Marseille but won 52 caps for Guinea, left Celtic in 2009 and later joined Valenciennes. He retired from football in 2013.

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