Celtic’s potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager has sparked outrage among pro-Palestinian fans due to his previous role with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane, who is Ireland’s record goalscorer, had a successful loan spell at Celtic in 2010. However, his decision to stay in Israel during the conflict in Gaza led to criticism and alienation from certain sections of the Celtic fan-base. These fans have displayed Palestinian flags at matches throughout the ongoing conflict.
Graffiti and banners opposing Keane’s potential appointment as manager have appeared outside Celtic’s stadium in Glasgow. A statement from ‘Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine’ criticizes hiring Keane, stating it would be “deeply divisive among the support.”
The statement emphasizes that Celtic supporters have a long history of solidarity with Palestinians and finds it impossible to ignore Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict. It urges the Celtic board to reconsider this appointment.
Keane was appointed by Maccabi in June 2023, before the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 that triggered Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. He guided Maccabi to league and cup double before resigning in 2024 and moving to Hungarian club Ferencvaros in 2025. Keane has stated he stayed for the full campaign partly due to his responsibility to staff who were with him in Israel.
Interim boss Martin O’Neill led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title on the last day of this season and also lifted the Scottish Cup.