THE Green Brigade have penned an open letter to Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson amid ongoing speculation that Bernard Higgins will be appointed to a role at the club.

It's been said that the former Police Scotland commander is set to take over a senior security role at Parkhead.

Celtic fans have protested against the potential appointment with a silent protest against Livingston last month.

They also displayed a banner with Higgins' face on it. The banner carried a photo of the officer with the words: "His evil eyes have no place in Paradise".

The fan group then staged a protest at Dens Park when they lobbed tennis balls onto the pitch after kick-off during a Premiership match against Dundee.

A banner at Dens Park read: "Fans or Higgins? The ball's in your court."

Now the Green Brigade have published an open letter that they have written to the club.

It reads: "Dear Michael Nicholson,

"We, the undersigned, wish to state our objection to the rumoured appointment of Bernard Higgins as a member of Celtic FC's security staff.

"In his role as Assistant Chief Constable with Police Scotland, and as the national strategic lead for football, Higgins has been responsible for the policing of football fans for almost a decade.

"In the period since he was appointed to this position, the policing of football matches has changed dramatically, with the introductions of intrusive surveillance, the widespread use of football banning orders and a determination to arrest fans on spurious charges.

"This has caused irreparable damage to the lives of many Celtic fans as well as to the relationship between the supporters and Higgins himself.

"It must be made known that we will refuse to recognise or engage with Higgins if he is appointed, as his history makes him an unsuitable candidate to be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of Celtic supporters.

"We ask you to address this issue and to reconsider such an appointment."

Over 100 Celtic fan groups from across the globe have put their name to the Green Brigade's letter and have told the board that they will not co-operate if Higgins' rumoured appointment goes through.