The wife of Robbie Keane has accused his detractors of provoking a “witch hunt” against him and putting their family at risk.
Robbie Keane has faced fierce criticism from pro-Palestinian campaigners for not resigning as Maccabi Tel Aviv manager following the October 7th attacks on Israel that prompted the war on Gaza.
He joined the club in June 2023 and resigned a year later after guiding the club to the Israeli league title.
Writing on X, Claudine Keane said her husband was a “political pawn” and that he did not like Israel before agreeing to take up the job with Maccabi.
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She explained that her husband resigned six months ago from his three-year contract along with staff who were out of a job, but he still receives hate.
She had to install six video cameras in their home in Dublin given the threats made against them.
She and her husband had been targeted by a “small number of individuals” online who sent death threats and had engaged in intimidation and character assassination.
“None of us signed up to this situation that happened months into his role, it was a nightmare! Please stop this absolute witch hunt and consider that politicians should not get to tell you where you can and cannot work,” she said.
“I would give anything to wake up to peace. My husband resigned. This attack is unwarranted and not justified. You’re causing hurt not helping.”
She did not name the politician involved.
The issue of Robbie Keane’s tenure as Maccabi Tel Aviv manager was raised again this week when he visited the Ireland squad camp on Monday. The invitation came at the request of the FAI. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson said he was unaware of the controversy surrounding Keane.
His wife said she felt “extremely uncomfortable and sometimes intimidated by some messages again from a small group that are hurtful, threatening and dangerous. They are inciting hated by making absolutely outrageous accusations. I always felt safe in Ireland until now.
“I always wanted to move home and bring my kids up her and enjoy the Ireland that both me and my husband love. We love our country. We are not politicians. We have never done any wrong. My husband spent the majority of his adult life committed to the Ireland team.”
Ms Keane said she had no problem with people in general protesting about Gaza. It was the ones who had targeted her and her family online with whom she had an issue.
A family source said Robbie Keane resigned at the first available opportunity when the season was over.
The source said he “couldn’t win” as he was criticised in Israel for not wearing T-shirts supporting the Israeli war in Gaza while he was criticised at home for being perceived to be too pro-Israeli.
“Robbie is being portrayed as a Zionist and that he has blood on his hands ... Robbie is part of cancel culture. It is sick and it is wrong,” the source said.
“He resigned because of his family’s safety. He walked away from a job. He is not obliged to give his political views. The minute he could get out, he got out. This abuse and threats are not right on any level.”
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