Celtic fans as far as Russia and New Zealand sent a furious note to the club’s board, rejecting Bernard Higgins appointment as cop. They claimed that Higgins had destroyed lives through his policing practices.
The controversial Mr Higgins was involved in the creation of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act. It was created in 2012 to combat sectarianism. However, it was overturned in 2018 by the Scottish Parliament.
Critics say it criminalized fan groups, led to harassment and dawn raids, and failed to address bigotry as it was intended.
Now, he is being considered for a Paradise security role. This has caused consternation among Celtic fans who sent 100 letters to Michael Nicholson complaining that Higgins had caused “irreparable harm” to their lives.
Fans Against Criminalization campaign branded the legislation a “genuine threat to civil liberties” which was overturned.
Fans have expressed their horror at the group’s lobbying against Mr Higgins’ appointment.
The fans groups wrote to Mr Nicholson to express their objection to Bernard Higgins’ appointment as Celtic FC’s security guard.
Higgins, as Assistant Chief Constable at Police Scotland and National Strategic Lead for Football, has been responsible almost for a decade for the policing football fans.
“In the time since he was appointed to this post, the policing and monitoring of football matches has changed drastically, with intrusive surveillance, widespread use of football ban orders, and a determination not to arrest supporters on spurious charges.
“This has done irreparable harm to the lives and relationships of many Celtic fans, as well as Higgins’ relationship with them.
“It is important to make it clear that we won’t recognize or engage with Higgins if this happens, as his past makes him unsuitable to be given the responsibility and security for Celtic supporters.
“We ask that you address this matter and reconsider your appointment.”
The letter was signed by fans groups from all over the globe, including England and Romania.
