Celtic Football Club is considering appointing Robbie Keane as head coach, but the potential decision has sparked strong opposition from pro-Palestinian supporters, citing his previous role at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane, Ireland's all-time leading scorer, is seen as a top contender for the role at the Scottish club after talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond. He previously had a successful loan spell at Celtic in 2010.
However, Keane's decision to remain in Israel after the Gaza conflict erupted drew criticism in Ireland and alienated a significant portion of Celtic's fanbase. Celtic supporters have displayed Palestinian flags at matches throughout the conflict.
Recent graffiti and banners opposing Keane's appointment appeared outside Celtic Park in Glasgow. A group called 'Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine' stated that hiring Keane would 'deeply divide the fan community.'
The 'North Curve Celtic' account on X published a list of 67 groups backing the statement. 'Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people. For us, Robbie Keane's decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza cannot be overlooked,' the statement read.
Keane was appointed head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv in June 2023, before the October 7 Hamas attack that led to Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza. Nonetheless, he led the team to a domestic double—winning both the league and cup—before resigning in 2024 and moving to Ferencvaros in Hungary.
Keane has explained his decision to stay in Israel as a responsibility to the staff he brought there. 'I had a duty of care. My analyst had worked for 12 years at Middlesbrough. He came with me to Israel, and I couldn't abandon him and his family,' Keane said.
Interim manager Martin O'Neill, 74, recently guided Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of this season, also winning the Scottish Cup.
