Bobo Balde: Ex-Celtic defender admitted to psychiatric hospital after incident outside school
Former Celtic player Bobo Balde has reportedly been admitted to a psychiatric hospital after an incident outside a school.
According to French outlet La Provence, the 49-year-old was seen outside Accates La Valentine Primary School in Marseille on Tuesday, September 2, as parents dropped off their children.
Witnesses said he appeared agitated, muttering in a foreign language and making disturbing remarks, including references to having a “mission before dying.”
Staff raised the alarm after Balde - who was described as standing at the school gates in a daze - insisted he “would leave last because he had things to do.” Police were called as parents grew increasingly concerned.
A bystander reportedly struck Balde with his car, then assaulted him before leaving the scene. Emergency services treated the former Guinea international before taking him into custody.
Officers were said to be surprised when they realised who he was.
“He’s a very nice person, but he started to make somewhat incoherent remarks, even at the police station,” a police source told La Provence. “He was questioned, but as a victim, after being hit by the car.”
At the request of local mayor Sylvain Souvestre, police maintained a presence around the school to reassure staff and parents. Balde was later transferred to the psychiatric emergency unit at Timone Hospital.
A Celtic favourite during his time at Parkhead, Balde made 232 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2009, winning 10 trophies during that time.