Celtic supporters have come out in their masses to oppose to the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager due to his previous role with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane is one of the favourites to take the helm and succeed Martin O’Neill at Parkhead but 67 Celtic fan groups have signed a letter urging the club to reconsider their interest in the 45-year-old.
The Republic of Ireland record goalscorer spent a year at Maccabi after being appointed in June 2023, four months before the 7 October attacks, winning the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup in his sole season.
However, his decision to stay in Israel after the country’s bombardment of Gaza began has turned a significant portion of Celtic fans against the former striker, who previously held goodwill after a successful loan spell with the Glasgow club in 2010.
North Curve Celtic posted a statement on X outlining supporter opposition along with a lengthy list of groups that are said to have endorsed the message, which includes Bhoys Celtic and the Green Brigade.
“Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people,” it read.
“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 cannot forget where we came from, nor turn our backs on those facing genocide today.
“At a time when Celtic requires unity and collective purpose, this appointment would be deeply divisive among the support. It would also represent a predictable and uninspiring choice at a moment when greater ambition is needed.
“We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters’ concerns and reconsider this appointment.”
Over 70,000 people have been killed in Palestine since the beginning of the conflict, sparked by the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023.
Keane did resign from his role at Maccabi but that decision came eight months after the war started, justifying his decision to stay for the full campaign because of the “duty of care” to the staff he had brought with him.
