Robbie Keane has been heavily linked with Celtic since resigning from his post at Budapest club Ferencvaros. Several Celtic supporters clubs have put their name to a statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager because of the Irishman's previous role as Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach.

Recent reports suggest Keane, 45, has had talks with the Scottish champions' principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. The Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer has won league titles in Israel and Hungary as a manager. However, his decision to stay in Israel after the conflict in Gaza began drew criticism in his homeland and has turned a section of the Celtic fanbase against him.

A statement suggesting the appointment of Keane "would be deeply divisive among the support" was released from a group calling itself Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine, and now the North Curve Celtic account on X has published the names of 67 groups to have apparently endorsed the sentiment. The list includes the Green Brigade ultras, a selection of podcasts, and long-established groups including Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.

"For us, Robbie Keane's decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore," reads the statement. "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."

Keane was appointed by Maccabi in June 2023, with Israel's bombardment of Gaza coming after the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October. He resigned in the summer of 2024 after winning a league and cup double, moving on to Ferencvaros in January 2025.

Keane, who had a prolific loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010, later told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that he felt a deep sense of responsibility to his staff and players, which influenced his decision to stay on in Israel.

Much of last season at Celtic was marked by sections of the support protesting against the board. The club's annual meeting in November was abandoned when shareholders jeered Desmond's son Ross for accusing some fans of being "bullies." Celtic ended the campaign as Scottish champions for the fifth year running, with interim manager Martin O'Neill also winning the Scottish Cup.

Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views. Get Celtic news notifications in the BBC Sport app.