Keane raises concerns for family after online criticism

Claudine Keane has said her family feels unsafe following recent online backlash over her husband Robbie Keane’s former role with the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The former model and columnist shared her concerns on social media, saying that certain messages have left her family feeling “uncomfortable” and “intimidated”.

Mr Keane faced backlash last year when he continued managing Maccabi Tel Aviv as tensions rose between Israel and Palestine. He led the team to a league title before stepping down in June.

However, after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) invited him to present caps to Ireland players at a recent team event, a fresh wave of criticism surfaced on social media.

Ms Keane addressed the issue on X, formerly Twitter, saying that her family’s sense of safety in Ireland had been shaken.

“I would just like to remind a certain small group of individuals that my family, my children, and I live in Ireland. This is our home,” she wrote.

“I always felt safe in Ireland until now… They are taking every bit of enjoyment and safety away from me and my family.”

She defended her husband’s lifelong commitment to Irish football, saying that his career should not be politicised. “We are not politicians, we have never done any wrong. My husband spent the majority of his adult life committed to the Ireland team, total and utter commitment.

“I would also say my children were in the Irish hotel during cap presentation. They are Irish citizens and play schoolboys and League of Ireland football. Are they too not welcome because of a manager’s job their father resigned from? It’s all totally hypocritical to say the least.”

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson praised Mr Keane’s contribution during his visit to the squad, describing his speech as a positive and motivating moment for the players.

He said: “He gave a good speech. The players were asking him questions… it’s good to connect past players, the legends from the past, to the present.”