SNS GroupThe Crown was set to take a warrant for former Celtic star Nir Bitton over driving offences in Glasgow last year.
The 30-year-old was due to appear at trial on Tuesday at Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with dangerous driving.
Bitton allegedly drove at excessive speed on Glasgow’s M80 in April last year.
The midfielder, formerly of Glasgow’s Kelvinbridge, also faces a charge of driving without insurance on the same date.
He was driving a black Audi SQ7 during the alleged offences.
The Israeli international did not appear in the dock but pled not guilty through his lawyer David Kinloch.
He said: “The defence motion is to adjourn and set a notional trial diet.
“I am not a Celtic fan or a football fan but Mr Bitton does not play for Celtic anymore – he plays in Israel.
“The Crown wanted him here for this trial and were going to take a warrant if he didn’t turn up.
“He wasn’t in a position to turn up due to professional commitments.
“The Crown have identified dates for Mr Bitton and senior counsel for a notional trial diet and hopefully we can go to trial.”
Sheriff Allan Findlay replied: “He is playing football, he isn’t saving the world, he should be here.
A trial was fixed for November this year.
The sheriff then asked: “Will he be out of Europe by then?”
Mr Kinloch replied: “I have no idea – it’s 22 men chasing a ball in my view.”
Bitton’s attendance at a hearing in October has been excused.
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