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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Martin McMillan

Robbie Keane to Celtic labelled 'deeply divisive' amid previous links to Israel

(Image: Shutterstock)

Robbie Keane’s emergence as the leading alternative to Martin O’Neill has sparked a backlash among sections of the Celtic support.

The 45-year-old, who enjoyed a productive loan spell at Parkhead in early 2010, scoring 16 goals, has faced criticism in his native Ireland over his recent managerial decisions.

Keane came under fire for remaining in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv following the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023, a stance that has not gone unnoticed among the Celtic fanbase, which has long expressed support for Palestine.

On Tuesday, the Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine (CFLP) group issued a statement opposing his potential appointment.

It read: “His decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore.


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“At a time when Celtic requires unity and collective purpose, this appointment would be deeply divisive among the support.”

Keane is currently available after leaving Hungarian side Ferencvaros last month, having spent 17 months in charge.

He guided the club to the title in his first season before finishing second behind Gyor in his only full campaign.

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