One of Scotland’s most senior police officers is expected to take over as Celtic’s security chief – sparking protests from angry football fans.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, currently in charge of policing at COP26, is believed to be poised to take over from the club’s current security boss Ronnie Hawthorn.
But the move has infuriated some Celtic fans, who plan to stage a 30-minute silent protest at the start of today’s home game against Livingston.
Prominent fans’ groups including The Celtic Trust, the Green Brigade and North Curve Celtic have issued a statement criticising the club and Higgins.
They are demanding that the 53-year-old, who has served as a police officer for more than 30 years, isn’t recruited.
Higgins clashed with fans over his support for the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act and warned the Green Brigade to leave politics at the turnstile or face arrest.
The group, who said the board are creating a “sideshow”, have called on fellow fans to support their protest by staying silent during the game.
A source said: “Bernie is a lifelong Celtic fan but this has gone down like a lead balloon.
“He thought his experience as a cop and involvement with the Euro2020 committee would stand him in good stead but he’s not reckoned on the long memories of those who feel he victimised fans.”
In a hard-hitting statement, the fans said: “We have been made aware Bernard Higgins, of Police Scotland, is likely to be appointed to a senior security role at Celtic.
“Higgins played a major part in the vicious implementation of the much-hated Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) and passionately defended the legislation within the Scottish Parliament.
“As assistant chief constable, Higgins’ remit involved strategic decisions on the policing of football across Scotland.
“He personally proclaimed that fans would be arrested for the expression of political opinion, or if they called opposition fans ‘baldy’.
“His appointment would be no laughing matter, however, for the hundreds of Celtic fans who either fell victim to the police cruelty Higgins oversaw, or the thousands who witnessed their friends or family endure the ordeals of arrest, trial and tribulation, this would represent the ultimate insult.
“The police officer most responsible for the reprehensible attack on our support, our culture and our values would be rewarded for these very acts by being given a prestigious position within the club we all love.
“Although we have raised these concerns with the club privately, they are unwilling to engage on the matter. We call on all fans to make this clear to the Celtic board. We will remain silent for the first 30 minutes of the match.
“This will act as a symbolic reminder of what Higgins attempted to do to our support and make clear to the Celtic board the level of opposition to his appointment.
“We understand that our stadium is renowned for the atmosphere created within it.
“We desperately want to provide that backing to the players, however we kindly ask those who disapprove of this potential appointment to join us in this protest.”
Higgins was stood down from duty in November 2017 after a number of criminal and misconduct allegations were made against him.
He returned in March 2018 and was later cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation.
Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr said: “ACC Higgins is entirely focused on delivering the safety and security operation for COP26.”
