THE Green Brigade have announced they will take part in a silent protest against Celtic during Saturday's clash with Livingston.

The Hoops 'ultras' have today released a statement to voice their displeasure surrounding the appointment of former Police Scotland commander Bernard Higgins to a senior security role at the club.

Within the lengthy announcement, the group claim Higgins allegedly played a big role in the 'brutalisation and criminalisation' of Celtic fans since the introduction of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act.

They plan to make their views clear to the club by remaining silent for the first half-hour of Saturday's game in a protest over the potential move, as the urge the club to make a U-turn on the decision.

The statement reads: "We have recently been made aware that Bernard Higgins of Police Scotland is likely to be appointed to a senior security role at Celtic.

"Higgins played a major part of the implementation of the much-hated Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act and passionately defended the legislation within the Scottish Parliament. 

"Assistant Chief Constable Higgins' remit involved strategic decisions on the policing of football across Scotland.

"His appointment would be no laughing matter, however. For hundreds of Celtic fans 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 that we all love. 

"Although we have raised these concerns with the club privately, they are unwilling to engage on the matter. We believe we have a responsibility to inform all fans. 

"Bernard Higgins is not fit to serve Celtic Football Club and we call on all fans to make this clear to the Celtic board.

"On Saturday, 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 out 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, and 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. 

"It is regrettable that once again the Celtic board should create a sideshow which detracts positive support for the team, particularly at a time when Ange Postecoglou an the team are starting to deliver encouraging performances and results. 

"We call on the board to do the sensible thing and not appoint Bernard Higgins to this role. 

"Otherwise, we will continue to campaign against both him and those responsible for hiring him."