Robbie Keane to Celtic: Supporters’ groups sign letter against his appointment due to links to Maccabi Tel Aviv | Football news
A number of Celtic fan clubs have put their names to a statement opposing the appointment of Robbie Keane as manager in his previous role with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane is among the favorites to take over amid reports he is involved in ongoing talks with shareholder Dermot Desmond.
The Republic of Ireland goalscorer enjoyed a lucrative loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010 and has won league titles in Israel and Hungary as a manager.
However, his decision to stay in Israel after the Gaza conflict has sparked criticism in Ireland and has turned part of the Celtic support against him.
Graffiti and banners opposing the prospect of Keane becoming manager have appeared outside Celtic Park in recent days and a statement appeared online from a group calling themselves Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine.
Now North Curve Celtic’s account on X has published a list of 67 teams that have apparently accepted the statement.
The list includes the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic ultras and several podcasts including Cynic and eTims, and established clubs including Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club (CSC) and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.
The statement outlines the opposition, and adds: “Celtic fans 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 cannot be ignored.
“Choosing to run a club in Israel while, less than 40 miles away, the same country is using weapons indiscriminately to kill so many defenseless people.
“Celtic was founded by a community built on a legacy of genocide, displacement and famine. Our club’s roots are with those who have suffered injustice and oppression. We will never forget where we come from, and we cannot turn our backs on those who are facing genocide today.
“At a time when Celtic need unity and a united purpose, this appointment will further divide support. It will also represent an unexpected and uninspiring choice at a time when great ambition is needed.
“We urge the Celtic board to listen to the fans’ complaints and consider this appointment.”
Keane was appointed by Maccabi in June 2023, a few months before the Hamas-led offensive on October 7 sparked the Israeli offensive on Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 people.
The 45-year-old coached Maccabi to the league and cup twice before stepping down in the summer of 2024.
The Irishman later explained that he had stayed on the mission full time because of his obligations to the staff he had taken with him to Israel.
“I have a duty to take care of,” he said. “My analyst, for example, has been in Middlesbrough for 12 years. For him to come with me to Israel and then I just leave, leaving him and his family….
“So I decided to stay until the end of the season and leave a big contract – another year, maybe two more years. We made that decision as a team, as a staff.”
