The debate over Robbie Keane’s potential appointment as Celtic manager continues to dominate conversation among supporters across Scotland and beyond.
Two supporter groups have already gone public with their opposition, with Celtic Fans For The Liberation Of Palestine voicing concerns first, followed by a joint letter from more than 50 supporters groups including the Green Brigade.
However, many Celtic fans are pushing back hard against the idea that supporter groups should have any meaningful say in the appointment process.
Gordon Ferguson from Kilwinning said: “So CFLP want to call the shots on who potentially becomes the new manager at Celtic. I’m sorry but this is nonsense.”
Ferguson continued, arguing that the club’s board should hold firm regardless of political pressure from fan organisations supporting the Palestinian cause.
He added: “The notion that a group of fans can dictate an appointment based on the political issues in the Middle East is ridiculous. Don’t let anarchy win in the East End. The Celtic board should stay strong. Keane has an affection for the club and shows great potential to coach. That is what is important.”
Jim Docherty echoed those sentiments, warning that ultra groups risk fracturing the wider support by pursuing a political agenda inside a football club.
He said: “Who do these ultra groups think they are trying to decide who to appoint as manager? This is Celtic, not a political party. They are going to drive a wedge between those who REALLY support the club and the demise might see a long term absence of silverware.”
The managerial uncertainty continues to frustrate supporters, with two weeks having passed since Martin O’Neill wrapped up the Double at Hampden without any public resolution on his future.
Paul Price from Belfast pointed to the contrast between Celtic’s drawn-out process and other clubs’ decisive transfer and appointment activity this summer.
He said: “Within one day of making their interest known, Toulouse had the deal which took Jens Berthel Askou from Motherwell to France all wrapped up. Liverpool have acted just as quickly to get Andoni Iraola appointed.”
Price was scathing in his assessment of the Celtic hierarchy, saying: “But yet again, our board shows their incompetence regarding appointing our new manager. The best friends Rangers have in Scottish football are the Celtic directors, who lack vision and ambition.”
Meanwhile, Rangers supporter John Forster from Sydney renewed his criticism of Celtic fans over repeated pitch invasions throughout the season, citing incidents at multiple grounds.
He said: “Celtic fans invaded the park DURING the final game of the season and brought it to an end due to safety concerns. Let that sink in. It’s very serious. They have also jumped onto the trackside at Paisley, Motherwell, Easter Road, Ibrox and Kilmarnock twice this season.”
Forster warned that punishment must follow, referencing the governing body’s own stated position on the matter.
He added: “It will only continue if their team is not punished. As the SPFL have said in the past, sporting integrity of the game is paramount.”
Regular Hotline contributor Gordon Ashley also sparked fresh argument after describing Rangers fans as deluded, drawing swift and pointed responses from several callers.
George Wilson from West Sussex delivered a lengthy rebuttal, saying: “Gordon Ashley is telling Rangers supporters ‘no-one outside their deluded little bubble is listening to them’. Does he not realise the irony and stupidity of his comment and the use of the word deluded.”
Wilson noted that Celtic’s Double has received less attention than might be expected, largely overshadowed by pitch invasion controversies and VAR decisions throughout the campaign.
He challenged Ashley directly, saying: “I defy him to go through the close season without talking about matters at Ibrox.”
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