There is a lot of backlash to the suggestion that Celtic are looking to appoint Robbie Keane as their new coach.
Dermot Desmond is leading the charge, and he has been used to facing the heat from the Celtic support, as the past 12 months have proven.
But this current situation is perhaps far different compared to what Celtic’s principal shareholder is used to because a section of the fanbase doesn’t want Keane in charge next season.
The fierce backlash stems from Keane’s controversial call to coach Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2023-24 campaign.
And now, a few supporters unveiled a blunt banner outside Celtic Park, expletively telling both the former striker and Desmond to ‘f__k off.’
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Celtic fans’ noise against Robbie Keane won’t go away
Those Celtic fans against Keane’s appointment won’t remain silent, and you sense it will only grow if he is appointed.
Celtic have a strong, rich and deep-rooted Irish history. When Keane was initially appointed at Maccabi Tel Aviv, there was a backlash in Ireland, before he left his post 12 months later.
Once again, you expect the same to happen here, as Desmond will hold ‘further talks’ with Keane later on in the week.
But if Celtic supporters think the man running the show at Parkhead will listen to them, then they have another thing coming.
Desmond’s relationship with the Celtic fans is broken, regardless of whether he appoints Keane or not.
Even with Martin O’Neill helping Celtic secure the domestic double, it merely papered over the cracks, and the legendary Irishman was probably one of a very few people who was able to bring everyone together last season.
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