Celtic supporters oppose Robbie Keane appointment over Gaza stance

Sixty-seven Celtic fan groups oppose Robbie Keane's potential appointment as manager due to his tenure at Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict.

Links to Keane Media reports indicate Robbie Keane, now 45, has held discussions with Celtic's principal shareholder Dermot Desmond regarding a possible managerial role. Keane previously managed clubs in Israel and Hungary, securing league titles in both countries. His most recent managerial position was at Ferencvaros, where he took charge in January 2025. Earlier, he had a brief stint at Budapest-based Ferencvaros following his departure from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2024. ## Fan backlash over Gaza stance A statement from a group called Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine argues that appointing Keane "would be deeply divisive among the support." The North Curve Celtic account on X has listed 67 supporter groups endorsing this view. These include the Green Brigade ultras, several podcasts, and established organizations such as Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC. The statement highlights Keane's decision to remain at Maccabi Tel Aviv during the onset of Israel's military actions in Gaza as the primary reason for opposition. ## Club's historical ties and current stance The statement emphasizes Celtic's founding principles, rooted in a community affected by genocide, displacement, and famine. It stresses the club's tradition of standing in solidarity with those facing injustice and oppression. The group argues that Celtic cannot ignore Keane's role at Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict, despite his achievements in Israel. They assert that the club's heritage compels it to oppose such an appointment. ## Keane’s managerial timeline Keane was appointed manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv in June 2023, shortly before Hamas-led attacks on 7 October triggered Israel's military response in Gaza. Despite the escalating conflict, he continued in the role and later resigned in the summer of 2024 after securing a league and cup double. In January 2025, he moved to Ferencvaros, where his tenure lasted until his discussions with Celtic emerged. Keane had previously enjoyed a notable loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010 as a player. ## Keane’s reasoning for staying During an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Keane explained that he felt a strong sense of duty toward his coaching staff and players, which influenced his decision to remain at Maccabi Tel Aviv despite the conflict. He cited responsibility to his team as a key factor in his choice to stay during such a tumultuous period. His remarks highlighted the personal conflict he faced between professional obligations and the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. ## Recent unrest at Celtic Last season saw ongoing protests from sections of the Celtic support directed at the club's board. The situation escalated during the annual meeting in November, where shareholders disrupted proceedings by jeering Dermot Desmond's son Ross. Ross Desmond had accused some fans of being "bullies" during the meeting, deepening tensions. Despite these challenges, Celtic concluded the campaign as Scottish champions for the fifth consecutive year, with interim manager Martin O'Neill also securing the Scottish Cup.