Celtic fans express opposition to Roy Keane as potential new manager

Celtic Manager Controversy Gains Momentum

Reports have emerged that Robbie Keane, Ireland’s record goalscorer, is in talks with Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond to become the club’s new manager. However, the news has sparked criticism from a vocal section of the Celtic fan base.

Keane previously managed Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he was appointed in June 2023. His decision to stay with the club during the conflict in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has been widely criticized by fans who have displayed Palestinian flags at matches throughout the conflict.

A group called ‘Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine’ has issued a statement expressing concerns over Keane’s potential appointment. The statement claims that hiring Keane would be “deeply divisive among the support” and urges the Celtic board to reconsider the decision.

Graffiti and banners opposing Keane’s potential appointment have appeared outside Celtic’s stadium in Glasgow, with 67 groups endorsing the statement. The group states that Celtic supporters have a long history of solidarity with the Palestinian people and that Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the conflict is “unconscionable”.

Keane has stated that he stayed with Maccabi Tel Aviv due to his responsibility to staff, including an analyst who had been with him for 12 years. The club’s interim boss, Martin O’Neill, led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup this season.

The situation remains unresolved as talks between Keane and Desmond continue.

Source: Al Jazeera