Robbie Keane to Celtic: Fan group signs letter opposing appointment due to Maccabi Tel Aviv links | football news

Dozens of Celtic supporters have put their names to a statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager for his previous role with the club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane is one of the favorites to take over amid reports he is involved in ongoing talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond.

The Republic of Ireland record goalscorer enjoyed a loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010 and won league titles in Israel and Hungary as manager.

However, his decision to stay in Israel following the outbreak of conflict in Gaza sparked criticism in Ireland and turned a section of the Celtic support against him.

Graffiti and banners opposing Kane’s chances of becoming manager have appeared outside Celtic Park in recent days and a statement has appeared online calling itself a Celtic fan for the liberation of Palestine.

Now X’s North Curve Celtic Account published a list of 67 groups that apparently supported the statement.

The list includes several podcasts including the Green Brigade and Voice Celtic Ultra and Scenic and Etims, and long-established groups including Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club (CSC) and Craigniuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.

The statement outlined the opposition and added: “Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“For us, it is impossible to ignore Ravi Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the massacre in Gaza.

“Choosing to operate a club in Israel when 40 miles away, the same country was indiscriminately using weapons of mass destruction against defenseless people, is insensitive.

“Celtic was founded by a community shaped by a legacy of genocide, displacement and famine. Our club is rooted in solidarity with those who suffered injustice and oppression. We cannot forget where we came from, or turn our backs on those facing genocide today.

“At a time when Celtic needs unity and collective purpose, this appointment will deeply divide the support. It will represent a predictable and inspiring choice at a moment when greater ambition is needed.

“We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters’ concerns and reconsider this appointment.”

Keane was appointed by Maccabi in June 2023, months before the Hamas-led attack on October 7, which began Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, killing more than 70,000 people.

The 45-year-old guided Maccabi to a league and cup double before stepping down in the summer of 2024.

The Irishman later explained that he stayed on for the entire campaign partly because of his responsibility to the workers he had taken with him to Israel.

“I have a duty of care,” he said. “My analyst, for example, was in Middlesbrough for 12 years. He came to Israel with me and then I left him and his family….

“So I decided to stay until the end of the season and walk away from a big contract — another year, maybe two more years. We made that decision as a team, as a staff.”