ItsInTheNet
Well-Known Member
CELTIC fans will once again take part in a silent protest against the potential appointment of Bernard Higgins.
Police Scotland assistant chief constable Higgins is understood to have been lined up by the club for a senior security position.
Chairman Ian Bankier refused to rule out his appointment when challenged at the club’s annual general meeting.
Now a joint statement from Celtic supporter groups has claimed that the Parkhead club have ignored all attempts at dialogue between fans and the board over the potential appointment.
It read: "Over recent weeks, the Celtic support has united to send a clear message to the Celtic board that Bernard Higgins is not welcome at the club.
"An open letter sent to Michael Nicholson, co-signed by every supporter group and organisation, all prominent fan media outlets, podcasts and websites, and over 250 supporter clubs made it clear that fans oppose the Higgins appointment and will refuse to engage with him.
"Michael Nicholson has not responded.
"An email campaign was launched, with individual supporters contacting Michael Nicholson directly to demonstrate their personal opposition to Higgins' appointment and demand a response.
"Michael Nicholson has not responded.
"The same signatories to the open letter - and more displayed banners around Celtic Park reiterating their opposition to Higgins' appointment.
"The club has not responded.
"Since the appointment was first discussed in October, continual requests have been made to the club to discuss this issue further.
"The club has not responded.
"It is within this context, and with regret, that we announce a return to the silent protest which began the campaign.
"On Thursday against Real Betis and, if necessary, on Sunday against Motherwell we will remain silent for 90 minutes and ask those who support the campaign to join us.
"We will gladly call off Sunday's silent protest should Michael Nicholson agree to meet with the supporter organisations to discuss the issue.
"We hope that he will finally take us up on this request and the protest can be
avoided.
"At a time when there is a growing bond between the team, the manager and the supporters we are frustrated that the board continue to sow division.
"We desperately want to provide the vocal and visual backing that Celtic Park is famous for but feel unable to do so while the Higgins saga continues."
Police Scotland assistant chief constable Higgins is understood to have been lined up by the club for a senior security position.
Chairman Ian Bankier refused to rule out his appointment when challenged at the club’s annual general meeting.
Now a joint statement from Celtic supporter groups has claimed that the Parkhead club have ignored all attempts at dialogue between fans and the board over the potential appointment.
It read: "Over recent weeks, the Celtic support has united to send a clear message to the Celtic board that Bernard Higgins is not welcome at the club.
"An open letter sent to Michael Nicholson, co-signed by every supporter group and organisation, all prominent fan media outlets, podcasts and websites, and over 250 supporter clubs made it clear that fans oppose the Higgins appointment and will refuse to engage with him.
"Michael Nicholson has not responded.
"An email campaign was launched, with individual supporters contacting Michael Nicholson directly to demonstrate their personal opposition to Higgins' appointment and demand a response.
"Michael Nicholson has not responded.
"The same signatories to the open letter - and more displayed banners around Celtic Park reiterating their opposition to Higgins' appointment.
"The club has not responded.
"Since the appointment was first discussed in October, continual requests have been made to the club to discuss this issue further.
"The club has not responded.
"It is within this context, and with regret, that we announce a return to the silent protest which began the campaign.
"On Thursday against Real Betis and, if necessary, on Sunday against Motherwell we will remain silent for 90 minutes and ask those who support the campaign to join us.
"We will gladly call off Sunday's silent protest should Michael Nicholson agree to meet with the supporter organisations to discuss the issue.
"We hope that he will finally take us up on this request and the protest can be
avoided.
"At a time when there is a growing bond between the team, the manager and the supporters we are frustrated that the board continue to sow division.
"We desperately want to provide the vocal and visual backing that Celtic Park is famous for but feel unable to do so while the Higgins saga continues."
