A significant bloc of Celtic supporters clubs has publicly declared opposition to the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as the club’s next manager.
The groups have cited Keane’s previous role as Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach as the central reason for their objections to his appointment.
Recent reports indicate that Keane, 45, has already held talks with Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond over the vacant managerial position.
A statement from a group calling itself Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine warned that the appointment “would be deeply divisive among the support.”
The North Curve Celtic account on X subsequently published the names of 67 supporter groups that have apparently endorsed that sentiment.
The list includes the Green Brigade ultras alongside long-established clubs such as Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.
The joint statement declared: “For us, Robbie Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore.”
It continued: “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.”
Keane, the Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer, was appointed by Maccabi Tel Aviv in June 2023, before Israel’s bombardment of Gaza followed the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October.
His decision to remain in Israel after the conflict began drew considerable criticism in his homeland and has clearly unsettled a significant portion of Celtic’s fanbase.
He went on to win a league and cup double before resigning in the summer of 2024, subsequently joining Ferencvaros in January 2025.
Keane later addressed his decision to stay in Israel on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, saying he felt a deep sense of responsibility to his staff and players.
The former striker, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010, has won league titles in both Israel and Hungary during his management career.
The managerial question comes after a turbulent season at Celtic, with large sections of the support protesting against the club’s board throughout the campaign.
The club’s annual meeting in November was abandoned after shareholders jeered Desmond’s son Ross for accusing some fans of being “bullies.”
Despite the off-field turbulence, Celtic ended the season as Scottish champions for the fifth year running, with interim manager Martin O’Neill also steering the club to Scottish Cup glory.
