Celtic Pass Over Robbie Keane, Appoint Martin O’Neill as Manager

The protest worked. After a long period in which Robbie Keane, the Ireland legend and former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, had been linked with Celtic, it is now official. The Scottish fans’ protests against his appointment because of his previous work in Israel succeeded, and the club announced today, Thursday, that Martin O’Neill has been named to the role.

After arriving as interim manager in midseason and helping the team win a dramatic league title, after a victory over Hearts in the final round of the regular season, the 74-year-old O’Neill has signed a new one-year contract with an option for an additional season on the sidelines.

As recalled, some of the club’s supporters did not want to see Keane in the role. In a petition that received support from dozens of fan groups, it was claimed that, “It cannot be ignored. Robbie Keane coached in Israel during a genocide, he chose to coach a team in Israel. He cannot work here. Our club is based on those who grew up as opponents of injustice. This cannot be forgotten.”

The petition continued: “Celtic demands unity and must receive it from the fans. This is a choice that could harm the club ahead of next season. We ask the management to reconsider Keane’s appointment.” Keane also held a meeting with Celtic owner Dermot Desmond and was considered one of the leading candidates at this stage.