LONDON:
Celtic’s curiosity in appointing Robbie Keane as their new supervisor has sparked anger among the many membership’s pro-Palestinian followers after his earlier function with Israeli facet Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane is the main contender to take cost of the Scottish champions after reportedly coming into talks with the membership’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Keane, who’s Eire’s document goalscorer, loved a prolific mortgage spell at Celtic in 2010.
However his resolution to remain in Israel after the battle in Gaza began sparked criticism in Eire and turned a vocal part of the Celtic fan-base in opposition to him.
Celtic supporters have displayed Palestinian flags at matches all through the battle.
Now graffiti and banners opposing the prospect of Keane turning into supervisor have appeared exterior Celtic’s stadium in Glasgow.
A press release from a bunch known as ‘Celtic Followers for the Liberation of Palestine’ stated hiring Keane “can be deeply divisive among the many help”.
The ‘North Curve Celtic’ account on X has revealed an inventory of 67 teams that endorsed the assertion.
“Celtic supporters have an extended and proud historical past of solidarity with the Palestinian folks,” the assertion stated.
“For us, Robbie Keane’s resolution to handle Maccabi Tel Aviv throughout the genocide in Gaza is unattainable to disregard.
“To decide on to handle a membership in Israel whereas, lower than 40 miles away, the identical nation was utilizing indiscriminate weapons of mass homicide in opposition to defenceless folks is unconscionable.
“Celtic was based by a group formed by the legacy of genocide, displacement and famine. Our membership’s roots lie in solidarity with those that suffered injustice and oppression.
“We urge the Celtic board to take heed to supporters’ considerations and rethink this appointment.”
Keane was appointed by Maccabi in June 2023, previous to the Hamas-led assaults on October 7 that triggered Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
The 45-year-old guided Maccabi to the league and cup double earlier than resigning in 2024 and shifting to Hungarian membership Ferencvaros in 2025.
Keane stated he had stayed for the total marketing campaign partly due to his accountability to workers he took with him to Israel.
“I’ve an obligation of care,” he stated. “My analyst, for instance, was at Middlesbrough for 12 years. For him to come back with me to Israel after which for me to only stroll away, leaving him and his household.”
Interim boss Martin O’Neill, 74, led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of this season and likewise lifted the Scottish Cup.Â