Celtic fan groups oppose Robbie Keane appointment over Maccabi Tel Aviv role
Dozens of Celtic supporter groups, including the Green Brigade, have signed a statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager due to his previous role as head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict. The fans argue Keane’s decision to stay in Israel while genocide was occurring in Gaza contradicts Celtic’s founding values of solidarity with oppressed communities. Keane has defended his tenure, citing duty of care to his staff. Celtic have declined to comment on the reports.
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Celtic fans reject Robbie Keane as coach: 'It goes against the club's historic principles'
Celtic fans are opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as the club's new manager, citing his previous role as coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv as incompatible with the club's historical values. Keane, who coached the Israeli club between 2024 and 2025, remained in Israel at the start of the war in 2024, which fans say contradicts Celtic's pro-Palestine stance. The Irishman is currently at Hungarian side Ferencváros and is a leading candidate to replace Martin O'Neill, who left after a turbulent season that saw Celtic win a domestic double but fail in European competitions. Fans are urging the management to find another option.
RecordRobbie Keane's year in Israel ignites Celtic Glasgow supporters ahead of potential appointment
Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane is the frontrunner to become the club's next coach, but his candidacy has sparked fierce opposition from 67 Celtic supporter groups, including the Green Brigade. In a joint statement, they denounced Keane's decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv from July 2023 to June 2024, a period that included the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military operation in Gaza, which the groups describe as a 'genocide.' The supporters warn that Keane's appointment would deeply divide the club and urge the board to reconsider. Keane, who resigned from Maccabi Tel Aviv after the season, defended his tenure, stating he stayed out of a 'duty of protection' for his staff. He later managed Ferencvaros, leading them to the Europa League round of 16 and the Hungarian Cup.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuRobbie Keane Faces Fan Boycott Over Coaching in Israel
Robbie Keane, former Celtic striker and current head coaching candidate, is facing opposition from Celtic fan groups due to his tenure as head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. Several fan clubs, including 'Celtic Fans Support the Liberation of Palestine,' issued a statement opposing his appointment, citing his decision to stay in Israel after the Gaza conflict broke out. The statement argues that Celtic's founding community was deeply affected by genocide and displacement, and that Keane's actions during the 'genocide in Gaza' cannot be ignored. Keane, who impressed during a loan spell at Celtic in 2010, has held talks with club majority shareholder Dermot Desmond. He previously told Rio Ferdinand's podcast that he stayed in Israel out of responsibility to his staff and players. Celtic fans have been protesting the club's board for much of the past season.
虎扑 - 足球Celtic fan groups oppose Robbie Keane appointment over Maccabi Tel Aviv role
Several Celtic supporters clubs have publicly opposed the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager, citing his previous role as head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv during the conflict in Gaza. A statement from the group 'Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine' argues that Keane's decision to stay in Israel during the genocide in Gaza is incompatible with Celtic's founding values of solidarity with oppressed communities. The statement has been endorsed by 67 fan groups, including the Green Brigade ultras and long-established supporters clubs. Keane, 45, the Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer, has reportedly held talks with Celtic's principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. The controversy highlights the intersection of football, politics, and historical memory within the Celtic fanbase.
BBC SportCeltic fan groups sign letter opposing Robbie Keane appointment over Maccabi Tel Aviv links
Dozens of Celtic supporters clubs have signed a statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager, citing his previous role with Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict. The statement, published by North Curve Celtic on X, lists 67 endorsing groups including the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic ultras. Graffiti and banners opposing Keane have appeared outside Celtic Park. The statement argues that Keane's decision to manage a club in Israel while genocide was occurring in Gaza is 'unconscionable' and would be divisive. Keane, who guided Maccabi to a league and cup double before resigning in summer 2024, has defended his decision to stay, citing duty of care to staff he brought to Israel. Celtic have declined to comment on the reports linking Keane to the managerial vacancy.
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