Robbie Keane's wife Claudine retweeted a tweet which included the words "Free Palestine" as the Maccabi Tel Aviv manager celebrated his 43rd birthday on Saturday.
Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer came under criticism over his decision to move to the Israeli club, which Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews recently labelled a 'racist and apartheid' team.
Andrews said: "It's really, really disappointing.
"Can you imagine if tomorrow Robbie Keane said 'Myself and Rory Delap are going to Spartak Moscow.'
"What would be said? There'd be absolute outcry.
"It'd be hugely controversial and I'm sure there'd be sanctions against them.
"And yet, when he decides to manage an Israeli football team there's hardly a whisper. Certainly not by government and leadership in this country.
"I just think it's disappointing. There is a two-tiered attitude to Russia compared to Israel.
"But both are equally horrific and violent states."
At Keane's press conference after he was named manager, he addressed the criticism, saying: "I don’t want to get into politics. This is the last time I will say it. I’m here as a football man and someone that loves the game.
"I will certainly just focus on that but thanks for your question.”
But, as the Dubliner celebrated his 43rd birthday on Saturday, his wife Claudine, perhaps inadvertently, retweeted a message declaring "Free Palestine."
The Twitter message that Claudine retweeted read: "Happy Birthday to Robbie Keane. Free Palestine."
Keane has taken the reins at the Israeli club after a short spell as assistant manager to Sam Allardyce at Leeds United.
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