Sixty-seven Celtic supporters clubs have signed a joint statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as the club's next manager, citing his previous role with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Keane is reported to be in discussions with Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond and is considered one of the leading candidates to take charge at Celtic Park. The former Republic of Ireland striker enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club in 2010 and has since built a managerial career that includes league titles in both Israel and Hungary.

Fan opposition grows outside Celtic Park

In recent days, graffiti and banners opposing Keane's potential appointment have appeared outside Celtic Park. A group calling itself Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine published an initial statement, and the North Curve Celtic account on X subsequently shared a list of 67 organisations that have endorsed it.

The signatories include prominent supporter groups such as the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic ultras, several fan podcasts including the Cynic and eTims, as well as long-established clubs such as Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.

The statement's key arguments

The joint statement draws on Celtic's origins as a club founded by a community shaped by experiences of genocide, displacement, and famine, and frames the opposition in terms of solidarity with the Palestinian people.