Dr Dan: Celtic ‘fan backlash’ inevitable after Police Scotland statement
Celtic supporters are furious with the club’s board for their lack of communication over the mooted appointment of Bernard Higgins.
So says Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the would-be Hoops security chief and high-ranking Police Scotland official.
Higgins has attracted condemnation from within the sport for his perceived archaic policies aimed at football supporters.
The Celtic Trust issued a statement last Saturday (11 December) demanding a response from acting chief executive Michael Nicholson over Higgins’ imminent appointment.
Fans staged a silent protest in the 1-0 win over Motherwell the following day in response to the lack of dialogue over the affair.
Plumley sympathised with the Parkhead faithful and emphasised the importance of transparency and communication.
“It’s all about the lines of communications,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“The Celtic Trust are trying to get an open dialogue with the club. That seems to be being batted back.
“Technically, the club at board level are within their rights to hire almost whatever they want because they own the club.
“But then you have to consider the fans’ side as well. We’re not talking millions and millions of pounds for this position. It’s not a financial issue.
“It’s more about the reputation of the person they are trying to employ and that history there. Fans are angry at a lack of openness and transparency.
“If the board are going to make that decision, they have to be open and transparent on the communications.
“The moment you don’t do that with something as emotive as this, you’re opening up a fan backlash.
“You can see why the fans want openness, transparency and communication.”
Nicholson is filling in as chief executive following Dominic McKay’s short-lived tenure at the helm.
On the pitch, Celtic are looking to close the four-point gap between Rangers and themselves atop the Scottish Premiership.
In other news, pundit tips Celtic to sign Reo Hatate and sell for “big profit” after news from Japan today.