30 Nov 2021 19:03:17
As you are aware the fans have been protesting against the appointment of Bernard Higgins. There is a email campaign. If you could copy and paste and send it to
mnicholson@celticfc. co. uk
Dear Michael Nicholson,
I write to you as a concerned Celtic fan to ask for your comment on the strongly rumoured appointment of Bernard Higgins as a member of our club's security staff. In his role as Assistant Chief Constable with Police Scotland, and as the national strategic lead for football, Higgins had the responsibility for how football would be policed. This included decisions over the implementation of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.
Whilst this was always a poorly written and ill-judged piece of legislation, Higgins played an instrumental role in ensuring that this law would do as much damage to the lives of football fans as possible. He had a hand in many significant decisions which negatively impacted the lives of fans, from the routine intrusive surveillance of supporters to the practices of dawn raids of fans' homes, and the kettling of supporter groups.
From 2012 onwards, the culture of policing of football changed drastically as a new authoritarian approach was ushered in. Fans were routinely treated with constant criminal suspicion. Hundreds of football fans had their lives ruined by Bernard Higgins and his colleagues through spurious charges often leading to football banning orders, social isolation, fractured relationships, media harassment, deteriorating mental health and termination of employment. When most of these fans were found not guilty, the damage of this process was never undone.
Given the pivotal role that Higgins has played in the harassment, intimidation and criminalisation of Celtic fans, I am astonished that he would be deemed a suitable candidate to look after the safety and security of our support. The recently released statement, co-signed by over 200 organisations, supporter clubs and fan media, makes it crystal clear that the Celtic support is united in opposition to this appointment and that fans will refuse to engage with Higgins if he is appointed. Engagement with supporters is crucial to the safe management of football crowds and this would clearly be impossible with Higgins at the helm. His appointment would also be an insult to the many fans who have suffered as a result of decisions taken by him and his fellow officers.
I ask that you respond to this issue directly and that you make it clear to the supporters that Bernard Higgins will not be recruited by Celtic Football Club. Ange Postecoglou and his team are delivering fantastic performances on the pitch, and it would be extremely regrettable if a wedge was driven between the club and many of the supporters when we must all be united to support the team.
Kind regards,
30 Nov 2021 20:36:03
Thanks Auf. We must stop the Tory board recruiting Facists. We are Celtic a club like no other.
30 Nov 2021 20:58:17
Auf1889 excellent piece.
30 Nov 2021 21:45:06
Sent Auf.
30 Nov 2021 22:04:12
Email sent Auf1888.