Ronny Deila criticised for accepting Maccabi Tel Aviv job | OneFootball

Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila has been criticised for agreed a deal to become the new manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv…

Manger Ronny Deila of Atlanta United reacts following the match against the Chicago Fire at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Norwegian, despite enduring a somewhat lukewarm ending to his Celtic career, mainly due to the Scottish cup semi-final defeat at the hands of a four year old championship side, that proved to be a watershed moment in the eyes of the Celtic hierarchy and supporters alike, has enjoyed a fantastic rapport with Celtic fans all over the globe.

That good harmony with many Celtic supporters however has now been damaged by this decision to accept the job at Maccabi, and with very good reason.

Most Celtic supporters, like so many people around the world are appalled by the barbaric and illegal atrocities being committed by the Israeli government and their military against the Palestinian people.

And rightly so, as not only does it go against the very principle and value our club was built upon, it’s our duty as caring human beings to call such wicked and deplorable behaviour out.

Deila said: “I am pleased to join Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, a club with such a rich history. I am looking forward to starting work with the players to achieve the best results.”

Celtic fans displaying Palestine flags at Celtic Park.

We saw the reaction from many Celtic supporters when we were linked with a move for Robbie Keane, due to the Irishman’s ties with Maccabi, so you can gauge for yourself the anger that will be expressed at Ronny for his decision to shake hands on a job from within Israel.

Ronny will be assisted by Kenny Miller, but we shouldn’t be surprised by Miller’s decision, as the former Scotland striker who is the only payer to have played played for Rangers, Celtic and theRangers will go wherever the money is on offer.

Kenny Miller of Celtic celebrates after scoring against Rangers during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on September 23, 2006 (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

From Ronny we’d have expected better, as indeed would so many of his fellow countrymen back home in Norway. Robbie Keane’s popularity in Ireland nosedived by his decision to work in Israel and Ronny might find there’s a similar backlash awaiting him in his own homeland.

He now has to live with his decision that he will undoubtedly regret in future years.

Head Coach Ronny Deila of Vaalerenga Fotball on March 14, 2017 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)

Ronny Deila made his bed now let him lie on it, and unfortunately, but quite rightly he will never be looked upon in the same way again in the eyes of the Celtic supporters.

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