Robbie Keane's Celtic managerial candidacy taken apart by Green Brigade in powerful statement

The 45-year-old former Celtic striker, who recently left Hungarian side Ferencvaros, is a major contender for the vacancy at Parkhead and is understood to have held discussions with major shareholder Dermot Desmond on the role.

However, Keane would not be a universally popular choice with the Celtic supporters due to his tenure at Maccabi Tel Aviv. He remained in charge of the Israeli side during the outbreak of the nation’s war against Gaza - with some Celtic fans openly supporting Palestine in the conflict.

Banners and graffiti have been spotted at Celtic Park voicing displeasure at Keane’s potential arrival and the Green Brigade, who were permitted from attending home matches earlier in the season during a schism with the Celtic hierarchy, have made their feeling clear on the matter.

“As Celtic fans, we oppose the proposed appointment of Robbie Keane as manager of Celtic Football Club,” read the Green Brigade statement.

“Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people. For us, Robbie Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore.

“To choose to manage a club in Israel while, less than 40 miles away, the same country was using indiscriminate weapons of mass murder against a defenceless people is unconscionable.

“Celtic was founded by a community shaped by the legacy of genocide, displacement and famine. Our club’s roots lie in solidarity with those who suffered injustice and oppression. We cannot forget where we came from, nor turn our backs on those facing genocide today.

“At a time when Celtic requires unity and collective purpose, this appointment would be deeply divisive among the support. It would also represent a predictable and uninspiring choice at a moment when greater ambition is needed.

“We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters’ concerns and reconsider this appointment.”

Celtic powerbrokers are due to hold more managerial talks in the coming days, with Martin O’Neill - who took interim charge twice last season en route to winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup - also in the running.

Celtic are understood to favour an appointment in the coming days as they prepare for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.