Celtic supporter groups have come out strongly against the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as the club’s new manager.
Their opposition centres on Keane’s previous role as manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, which he held from 2023 to 2024.
The former Republic of Ireland international was heavily criticised by pro-Palestinian campaigners for not stepping down from that role amid the conflict in Gaza.
Keane’s wife revealed in 2024 that the family had received death threats due to his association with the Israeli club, leading them to install video cameras at their Dublin home.
Reports have emerged that Celtic held talks with Keane over the managerial vacancy, prompting organised supporter groups to publicly voice their disapproval.
A group calling itself “Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine” released a formal statement that has reportedly been co-signed and endorsed by 67 different fan groups and fan-led media outlets.
The statement reads: “As Celtic fans, we oppose the proposed appointment of Robbie Keane as manager of Celtic Football Club.”
It continues: “Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people. For us, Robbie Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore.”
The statement adds: “To choose to manage a club in Israel while, less than 40 miles away, the same country was using indiscriminate weapons of mass murder against a defenceless people is unconscionable.”
The groups also drew on Celtic’s own history in making their case, citing the club’s founding community and its legacy tied to injustice, displacement, and famine.
The full statement reads: “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.”
The statement also raised concerns about the divisive nature of such an appointment within the fanbase, describing it as “predictable and uninspiring” at a moment requiring greater ambition.
It concluded with a direct appeal to decision-makers: “We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters’ concerns and reconsider this appointment. No to Keane.”
Keane, who played for 11 different clubs across a prolific 21-year playing career, took over at Hungarian side Ferencváros in 2025 and won the Hungarian league that same year.
He followed that up by winning the domestic cup in 2025-26, underlining his credentials as a manager building a competitive track record in European football.
Keane is reportedly one of two main candidates for the Celtic job, alongside Martin O’Neill, who came out of retirement to lead the club to a league and cup double across two spells as interim manager.
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