Robbie Keane could return to Celtic, this time as manager, but his candidacy is already stirring controversy because of his tenure at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
According to reports in Ireland and Scotland, Keane has held talks with Celtic’s largest shareholder, Dermot Desmond, about the possibility of taking over as manager next season.
Keane, Ireland’s all-time leading scorer and a former Celtic player, is considered one of the two leading candidates for the job. The other is veteran manager Martin O’Neill, who returned to the club late last season and led it to a domestic double.
But Keane’s candidacy has drawn criticism from some Celtic fans. Celtic Fans For The Liberation Of Palestine issued a statement Tuesday saying: “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 is impossible to ignore.”
“To choose to manage a club in Israel while, less than 40 miles away, the same country was using indiscriminate weapons of mass murder against a defenceless people is unconscionable,” the group said.
“Celtic was founded by a community shaped by the legacy of genocide, displacement and famine. Our club’s roots lie in solidarity with those who suffered injustice and oppression. We cannot forget where we came from, nor turn our backs on those facing genocide today.
“At a time when Celtic requires unity and collective purpose, this appointment would be deeply divisive among the support. It would also represent a predictable and uninspiring choice at a moment when greater ambition is needed. We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters’ concerns and reconsider this appointment.”
Keane, 45, left his position as manager of Hungary’s Ferencvaros last month. During his time at the club, he led the team to a league title in his first season and later reached the Europa League round of 16.
Before that, Keane coached Maccabi Tel Aviv and remained in the role after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, leaving the club at the end of that season.