Celtic fans protest possible Robbie Keane appointment over Israel links

GLASGOW: Celtic’s reported interest in appointing former Ireland striker Robbie Keane as manager has triggered opposition from a section of the club’s pro-Palestinian support because of his previous spell in charge of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane is described as the leading candidate to take over at the Scottish champions after reportedly holding talks with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. The 45-year-old is a familiar figure to Celtic supporters after a productive loan stint with the club in 2010, but his time in Israel has become a flashpoint among fans who have prominently backed Palestine during the war in Gaza.

Celtic supporters have regularly displayed Palestinian flags at matches throughout the conflict. In recent days, banners and graffiti objecting to the prospect of Keane’s appointment have appeared outside the club’s stadium in Glasgow.

Supporters’ statement

A group calling itself Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine said bringing in Keane would create division among supporters. The North Curve Celtic account on X said 67 groups had endorsed the statement.

In the statement, the group said:

"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.

"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 defenceless people is unconscionable.

"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 urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters' concerns and reconsider this appointment."

The same statement also said appointing Keane would be deeply divisive among the support.

Keane’s recent coaching record

Keane was appointed Maccabi Tel Aviv manager in June 2023, before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7 and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that followed. He stayed on through the campaign, leading the club to a league and cup double, before stepping down in 2024. He later moved to Hungarian side Ferencvaros in 2025.

Explaining why he remained in Israel for the full season, Keane said part of the reason was his responsibility toward the staff members who had joined him there.

Keane said:

"I have a duty of care,"

"My analyst, for example, was at Middlesbrough for 12 years. For him to come with me to Israel and then for me to just walk away, leaving him and his family."

Celtic ended the season with interim manager Martin O’Neill, 74, who guided the club to the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the campaign and also won the Scottish Cup.