Several Celtic supporters clubs have voiced strong opposition to Robbie Keane's potential appointment as the club's manager, citing his managerial role at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict as morally unacceptable [1, 2]. A statement from a coalition called Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine, along with the North Curve Celtic account, outlined opposition from 67 fan groups [1, 2].
Robbie Keane, 45, is the Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer and played briefly on loan at Celtic in 2010 [1, 2]. He was appointed as Maccabi Tel Aviv manager in June 2023, before the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered Israel’s bombardment of Gaza [1, 2]. Keane chose to remain in Israel during the outbreak of violence, a decision that Celtic supporters say is "impossible to ignore" given the humanitarian crisis near the club he managed [1].
Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine said, "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 defenseless people is unconscionable. We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters’ concerns and reconsider this appointment" [2]. The fanbase has a strong history of solidarity with Palestinians and has frequently displayed Palestinian flags and protest banners at Celtic Park [2].
Graffiti and banners opposing Keane's potential appointment appeared outside Celtic’s home ground in Glasgow, reflecting widespread fan unrest [2]. Keane said on a podcast he stayed in Israel partly out of responsibility for his staff and players [1, 2].
Keane resigned from Maccabi Tel Aviv in summer 2024 after securing a league and cup double and then took over as manager at Hungarian club Ferencvaros in January 2025 [1, 2]. Meanwhile, Celtic completed the 2025/26 season as Scottish champions for the fifth consecutive year under interim manager Martin O'Neill, who also won the Scottish Cup [1].
The club's November 2025 annual meeting was disrupted by supporters who jeered Ross Desmond, son of principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, indicating club tensions [1]. Keane is currently in talks with Dermot Desmond concerning the Celtic managerial post [1, 2].
The Celtic board has yet to respond publicly to the fans' opposition. The next key date is the club’s next board meeting and related announcements about the managerial appointment, expected later this year.
