Celtic fans reject Robbie Keane's prospective appointment over Gaza ties

Celtic Football Club in Glasgow is reported to be in talks with former Ireland striker Robbie Keane to become its next manager. Keane, who previously coached Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict, has become the focus of intense opposition from a segment of Celtic’s fan base. Supporter groups say his decision to remain in Israel after the war began is “impossible to ignore” and that appointing him would be “deeply divisive.” They have displayed Palestinian flags at matches and posted protest banners outside Celtic Park, accusing the club of disregarding solidarity with the Palestinian people. Discussions are said to involve the club’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. Keane’s tenure at Maccabi, which began in June 2023 and ended in 2024, included a domestic cup double, but his continued presence in Israel after the Gaza hostilities sparked criticism in Ireland and among the club’s traditionally pro‑Palestinian supporters.