Celtic Fans Left Talking After Robbie Keane Comments on Ferencvaros Tie in Europa Playoffs vs Celtic
Celtic supporters have been left buzzing on social media after comments from former Hoops striker Robbie Keane now manager of Hungarian side Ferencvaros about the possibility of facing his old club in the UEFA Europa League playoff round. Keane’s remarks in which he spoke warmly of Celtic and his former manager Martin O’Neill and suggested a meeting might be “written in the stars” have sparked intense reactions from Celtic fans online.
That blend of respect and relaxed indifference has divided Celtic supporters with some embracing the narrative and others less than impressed by the idea of Keane back in a Celtic context.
FANS REACTIONS ONLINE
Across Twitter forums and fan pages Celtic supporters shared a wide range of views.
@HoopsForLife89 said Honestly I love Robbie’s career but this whole written in the stars stuff feels like he’s romanticising a tie we haven’t even drawn yet We’ve got bigger fish to fry than nostalgia.
@CelticTillIDie_91 wrote If we draw Ferencvaros it’s going to be unreal Keane knows what Celtic means could be some serious atmosphere in both legs Bring it on.
@GreenNSilverArmy added Keane playing down the speculation is classic He’s focused on Ferencvaros not Celtic fair enough But don’t expect fans to forget his comments so quickly.
These reactions echo the split seen earlier when the rumor first circulated that Keane might be a managerial candidate for Celtic a story that itself had divided opinion among fans on social platforms. Some Celtic supporters were enthusiastic at the prospect of a sentimental tie against a former Hoops favourite while others warned against reading too much into his remarks.
@TheRealCelticFan44 wrote People saying he’d walk into the Celtic job because of this interview are delusional Robbie’s happy in Budapest and we’ve got our own issues to sort out here first.
@ParkheadPassion said Even if the tie happens let’s not get carried away Celtic should be favourites let’s show what the Hoops can do in Europe rather than focus on past players.
Robbie Keane is one of Celtic’s memorable former players scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances during his loan spell and earning affection from supporters. His coaching career has since taken him abroad and his work with Ferencvaros has been notable enough that fans and media alike are talking about the possibility of rekindling his Celtic connections in a competitive European tie.
Some mild controversy also surfaced when Keane’s regular comments addressing Celtic links were reported with several fans online questioning whether talking about the club so often was necessary or appropriate.
@GreenMenace said Keane’s a legend sure but there’s no need to keep bringing Celtic into every answer We’re a big club but let him talk about Ferencvaros right now Respect but move on.
@CeltsPerspective added I think mentioning Celtic shows he still respects the club and the supporters Doesn’t change anything about the tie but it’s good to hear him talk about it warmly.
There were also neutral voices weighing in pointing out that media speculation often fuels fan reactions.
@HoopsWatcher24 wrote Social media explodes any time Celtic gets mentioned alongside former players It’s part of being a big club Don’t expect rational analysis just passionate responses.
The official Europa League playoff draw will take place soon revealing whether Celtic will indeed face Ferencvaros or another opponent. After this week’s convincing win over Utrecht Celtic fans are optimistic about their club’s prospects heading into European knockout football. Whether or not a tie against Keane’s Ferencvaros materialises one thing is clear Celtic fans will be watching every development closely and Robbie Keane’s comments have given them plenty to discuss in the build-up to the draw.
