A coalition of 67 Celtic supporters' groups has publicly declared their opposition to Robbie Keane becoming the club's next manager, citing his previous role at Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict.
The Green Brigade, Celtic's prominent ultras organisation, spearheaded the statement released overnight, which has garnered backing from numerous fan groups including several based in Ireland.
The collective accused the Celtic board of "sowing division" by entertaining discussions with a "hugely divisive figure" for the managerial vacancy.
Keane, who holds the record for most appearances and goals for the Republic of Ireland, has been strongly linked with the position following his recent departure from Hungarian club Ferencvaros.
Sections of Celtic fans do not want Robbie Keane in charge due to his past with Maccabi Tel Aviv
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Martin O'Neill, currently serving as interim manager, is also under consideration for the permanent role.
The supporters' statement invoked Celtic's origins as a club established by a community that experienced genocide, displacement and famine, arguing these roots demand solidarity with those facing similar injustices today.
"Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people," the statement declared. "For us, Robbie Keane's decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore."
The fan groups described his choice to lead an Israeli club while conflict raged less than 40 miles away as "unconscionable", accusing the country of deploying "indiscriminate weapons of mass murder against a defenceless people".
Beyond political objections, the statement also characterised Keane's potential appointment as "predictable and uninspiring" at a moment when the club requires greater ambition.
Robbie Keane managed Maccabi Tel Aviv from 2023 to 2024
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Keane held discussions with Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond this week regarding the vacant position, with further talks anticipated in the coming days.
O'Neill also met with Desmond as the club weighs up its options for a permanent appointment.
The former Republic of Ireland international took charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, guiding them to the Israeli Premier League title during his sole season at the helm.
He departed the club in January 2025 to join Ferencvaros, where he secured the Hungarian Cup last month despite falling short in the league championship race.
Keane faced significant criticism in Ireland for remaining at the Tel Aviv club after hostilities between Israel and Palestine intensified in October 2023, a decision that has substantially damaged his standing in his homeland.
TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has launched a fierce attack on the fan groups opposing Keane's candidacy, dismissing their stance as "preposterous" and "ridiculous".
Simon Jordan blasted Celtic fans and insisted Robbie Keane is not a politician
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"He is a football manager and is managing a football team. He is not taking a political position," Jordan argued on the radio station.
The former Crystal Palace owner urged Celtic's hierarchy to ignore the backlash when reaching their final decision.
"My hope would be that Dermot Desmond and his people make a decision based upon footballing merit," Jordan stated, whilst expressing doubt they would do so depending on "how big the noise gets and how bold they are".
Jordan noted that Keane "has not made any observations about the conflict in Gaza" and has not publicly aligned himself with either side of the dispute.