Martin O'Neill set to remain Celtic manager after Robbie Keane backlash from supporters

Martin O’Neill is set to remain as Celtic manager next season, according to reports, after supporter pressure effectively ruled out the appointment of Robbie Keane as his replacement.

The 74-year-old stepped in twice during a turbulent campaign — first following Brendan Rodgers’ departure in October, then again after Wilfried Nancy’s eight-match tenure — and steered the club to both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup. A dramatic final-day league victory over Hearts cemented his standing as the popular choice to continue.

Keane had been in contention for the permanent role, but his candidacy drew a fierce backlash from a significant section of the Celtic fanbase. The Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer had a prolific loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010, but his decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv and remain in Israel after the conflict in Gaza began drew condemnation from supporters and supporter groups alike.

North Curve Celtic published a statement on X outlining their opposition, endorsed by a lengthy list of groups including Bhoys Celtic and the Green Brigade. “Celtic supporters have a long and proud history of solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the statement read. “For us, Robbie Keane’s decision to manage Maccabi Tel Aviv during the genocide in Gaza is impossible to ignore.”

The statement continued: “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 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.”

The groups urged the Celtic board to reconsider, arguing the appointment would be “deeply divisive” at a moment when the club needed unity. More than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas-led attacks of October 2023 triggered the conflict.

With Keane’s candidacy now effectively off the table, O’Neill’s continuation appears the most likely outcome as Celtic look to build on their domestic double.