Celtic ultras have ramped up their opposition to Robbie Keane with a blunt banner aimed at Dermot Desmond and the club’s managerial plans.
The former striker is under serious consideration to replace Martin O’Neill if the 74-year-old opts against extending his stay after last season’s double-winning campaign.
#Scotland — Bhoys Celtic unveiled a banner outside Celtic Park: “Desmond's and Keane, fuck off.” pic.twitter.com/gpgstc0RW0
— Antifa_Ultras (@ultras_antifaa) June 3, 2026
Talks are ongoing between Desmond, the board and O’Neill, but contingency plans are already in motion, with Keane emerging as the leading external candidate.
However, his potential appointment is proving deeply divisive among supporters.
The Bhoys ultras group made their feelings crystal clear by unveiling a banner outside Celtic Park reading: “Desmonds and Keane f*** off.”
Keane’s controversial standing stems largely from his spell at Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he began his managerial career in 2023.
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His decision to remain in post following the escalation of conflict in Gaza, and his perceived silence on the issue, drew fierce backlash, particularly in Ireland, where he was labelled a “Zionist rat” and “Blood money Robbie.”
Those sentiments have since spread among sections of the Celtic support.
Keane addressed the criticism after leaving Maccabi in 2024, insisting his decision was not straightforward.
He said: “Let’s make it clear, obviously there has been a lot of stuff going on. I resigned at the end of the season from my post at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“When it did happen, we left the country, but I have five staff members and a lot of foreign players who rely on me as their coach.
“We were winning the league, which the club hadn’t won in three years. We were in Europe and doing very well.
“My analyst, for example, has a mortgage, family and kids he has to feed. The decision to walk away wasn’t only going to affect me; it would affect everybody else too, which made it tough.”
