NEIL LENNON has announced the sad passing of his mother today.

The Celtic legend was given permission to return home immediately from Romania last night, where he is currently managing Rapid Bucharest, to be with his mum after she suffered a heart attack this weekend.

Lennon, 53, rushed back to be with his family as Ursula’s condition worsened.

He revealed this afternoon that just before 11 o’clock this morning, his mother had died.

Lennon said: “My beautiful mother, Ursula, passed away this morning at 10:51.”

The former Celtic and Hibs manager was initially given 48 hours to be with his family.

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But he may now take some time to grieve, with Rapid supposed to be playing tomorrow night in a league match against Sepsi.

Ursula had been in hospital for several weeks and then had a second heart attack this weekend.

Rapid initially said in a statement: “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.

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“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.”

As the sad news came through, Celtic led the tributes to their former captain and manager.

A statement from the club read: “The heartfelt thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with our former captain and manager, Neil Lennon, and his family following the sad passing of Neil’s beloved mother, Ursula, earlier today. RIP, Ursula.”

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