Ben Haim misses Charlton match to observe Yom Kippur

Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim will miss Charlton’s Championship clash tomorrow against Birmingham City after he asked to sit the game out so he can observe Yom Kippur.

Despite being an ever-present in the Addicks line-up, manager Bob Peeters had no hesitation in allowing him to miss the game. He said: “Tal Ben Haim has been superb for us this season but he won’t be available for selection on Saturday because of his religious commitments and as a club we must respect that.

“He’s a great professional and after he approached me and asked my permission not to play in this game I decided that undoubtedly it is the right decision to let him observe Yom Kippur.”