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Celtic fan groups state opposition to Keane
TL;DR
Celtic supporters clubs oppose Robbie Keane's potential appointment as manager due to his past role with Maccabi Tel Aviv and his controversial decision to remain in Israel during the Gaza conflict. A statement warns that his hiring would be divisive among fans.
Key points
- Celtic supporters clubs oppose Robbie Keane's appointment
- Opposition stems from Keane's past role with Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Criticism arose due to Keane's decision to stay in Israel during conflict
- 67 groups have endorsed the opposition statement
- Appointment could be divisive among Celtic fans
Mentioned in this story
Robbie KeaneCeltic Fans for the Liberation of PalestineNorth Curve CelticCeltic FCMaccabi Tel Aviv
Several Celtic supporters clubs have put their name to a statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager because of the Irishman's previous role as Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach.
Recent reports, external suggest Keane, 45, has had talks with the Scottish champions' principal shareholder Dermot Desmond.
The Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer has won league titles in Israel and Hungary as a manager.
However, his decision to stay in Israel after the conflict in Gaza began drew criticism in his homeland and has turned a section of the Celtic fanbase against him.
A statement suggesting the appointment of Keane "would be deeply divisive among the support" was released from a group calling itself Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine and now the North Curve Celtic account on X has published the names of 67 groups to have apparently endorsed the sentiment.
The list includes the Green Brigade ultras, a selection of podcasts and long-established groups including Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.
"For us, Robbie Keane's decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore," reads the statement.
"Celtic was founded by a community shaped by the legacy of genocide, displacement and famine.
"Our club's roots lie in solidarity with those who suffered injustice and oppression. We cannot forget where we came from, nor turn our backs on those facing genocide today."
Keane was appointed by Maccabi in June 2023, with Israel's bombardment of Gaza coming after the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October.
He resigned in the summer of 2024 after winning a league and cup double, moving on to Ferencvaros in January 2025.
Keane, who had a prolific loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010, later told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that he felt a deep sense of responsibility to his staff and players, which influenced his decision to stay on in Israel.
Much of last season at Celtic was marked by sections of the support protesting against the board.
The club's annual meeting in November was abandoned when shareholders jeered Desmond's son Ross for accusing some fans of being "bullies".
Celtic ended the campaign as Scottish champions for the fifth year running, with interim manager Martin O'Neill also winning the Scottish Cup.
Q&A
Why are Celtic fans opposing Robbie Keane's appointment as manager?
Celtic fans oppose Robbie Keane's appointment due to his previous role as Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach and his decision to stay in Israel during the Gaza conflict.
What groups have expressed opposition to Robbie Keane becoming Celtic manager?
At least 67 Celtic supporters groups, including Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine, have publicly opposed Robbie Keane's potential appointment.
What impact could Robbie Keane's hiring have on Celtic's fanbase?
Robbie Keane's hiring could be deeply divisive among Celtic supporters, according to statements from opposing fan groups.
