Ferencvaros' Irish coach Robbie Keane grimaces before the UEFA Europa League last 16 second leg football match between SC Braga and Ferencvaros at Municipal stadium of Braga on March 18, 2026. (Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP via Getty Images)
While Dermot Desmond negotiates Celtic fans are mobilising their opposition to the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager.
The Irishman has a debatable record as a manager in Israel and Hungary. What isn’t debatable is that he managed Maccabi Tel Aviv, a club heavily linked to the Genocide in Palestine.
Maccabi fans have glorified in the Genocide with banners and chants supporting the actions of the Israeli Government.
On Thursday a club video resurfaced of IDF soldiers wishing Maccabi good luck in an upcoming match while on the front line.
That video was shown to players to motivate them to victory.
It is now 12 days since Celtic won the Scottish Cup, Martin O’Neill’s future is unclear.
From a few informed reports it seems that Desmond is trying to find a set up that will involve O’Neill and Keane.
At the age of 74 O’Neill has never before been a Sporting Director, Mentor or Consultant. He is an old school football manager who delivers results the traditional way.
BREAKING! X-rated Celtic banner displayed outside Parkhead as fans go swinging for Robbie Keane and Dermot Desmondhttps://t.co/fJgVqJXT13 pic.twitter.com/Qnt5pvhrKG
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) June 3, 2026
The Bhoys Ultras group are being moved to the rail seating behind the Green Brigade for the 26/27 season.
PROTESTS GROW AS CELTIC NEGOTIATE WITH KEANE
Yesterday they took their protests to the front door of Celtic Park. No interpretation is required on their message.
Down on London Road the graffiti was out next to The 1888 Bar, it was equally blunt.
Desmond has shown by his actions that the thoughts or feelings of Celtic supporters are of no interest to him.
After a season of protest that started with chants aimed at Peter Lawwell at the home match against Kairat Almaty another season of strife looks certain.
Keane may not become manager but it is very clear that Desmond wanted him to be involved at the club.
The Celtic Fans Collective and Not Another Penny arrived out of the shambles that started last season.
If Keane is announced as manager both of those campaigns are likely to be cranked up with increased protests around every area of Celtic.
In January, Celtic attempted to trade with Maccabi Netanya and faced fierce criticism – the deal fell through.
Now, they are considering appointing Keane, the disgraced Irishman, who managed Maccabi Tel Aviv at the height of the genoc!de from 2023-2024. pic.twitter.com/GLTXCXGmAY
— Lajee Celtic (@lajeeceltic) June 3, 2026
Robbie Keane with his family in Israel. https://t.co/bN0vVHnRTM pic.twitter.com/sQr9uInDFL
— Gary Harper (@TOPJBHOY) June 3, 2026

Football is all about money, we know that. Very few players care about the club they play, we know that.
I don’t care about Keane’s CV. He’s a mercenary despot with values diametrically opposite to those of Celtic. He is an oppressor, he was literally part of the team.
No !!!!
No supporters of any club should ever pick the manager of the team…
But it looks like this guy Keane is gonna be very unpopular…
Rightly or wrongly !
Silly kids listeninh to anurchists who will not be welcome next season now there covers blown
This is not gonna end well. A train is fast approaching. Only at celtic.
NOT A PENNY MORE, NEVER FORGET.
Celtic fans didnt wanr keane the streets would be blocked these stupid people show your face be proud at what you beleive in theres a lot more in Celtic Park that that want top football players remeber Celtic a club for all do you not know that and there is a lot more Celtic supporters stand bye that motto and im sure you will be told that when season returns go to parliment house