News Focus
- Sixty-seven Celtic supporter groups have signed a joint statement rejecting Robbie Keane as manager.
- Fans cite his recent role at Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict as the reason for their opposition.
- Banners and graffiti protesting the potential appointment have appeared outside Celtic Park.
- Keane claims he stayed in Israel to protect his coaching staff, not for financial reasons.
- The Irishman remains in talks with Celtic’s majority shareholder about the vacant manager position.
More than 60 official Celtic supporter clubs have united to oppose the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as the Scottish giants’ next manager. The fans object to his recent employment with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The former Republic of Ireland record goalscorer is reportedly holding discussions with Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s principal shareholder. He is considered one of the leading candidates for the position.
Keane previously enjoyed a successful loan spell as a player at Parkhead in 2010. As a manager, he has won league titles in both Hungary and Israel.
However, his decision to remain at Maccabi Tel Aviv following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict has caused significant anger among sections of the Celtic support. The North Curve Celtic group has published a list of 67 organisations that back a formal statement against his appointment.
This list includes prominent ultra groups such as the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic, alongside well-known podcasts and university supporter clubs. The statement argues that Keane’s choice to manage in Israel during the crisis is “unconscionable” and incompatible with the club’s founding values of solidarity with oppressed peoples.
Protesters have recently displayed banners and spray-painted graffiti outside Celtic Park demanding the board reject Keane.
Keane joined Maccabi in June 2023, months before the October 7 attacks triggered the war. He led the club to a domestic double before resigning in the summer of 2024. He later explained that he fulfilled his contract out of loyalty to his coaching staff, not for financial gain. He stated that leaving early would have abandoned employees who had relocated with him to Israel.
The 45-year-old claimed he rejected a lucrative contract extension to honour his commitment to his team.