CELTIC fans forced their match against Dundee to be halted after kick-off as they lobbed a number of tennis balls onto the Dens Park surface.

Play was stopped for nearly three minutes as both sets of players had to chip in to clear the pitch.

The protest was apparently aimed at the rumoured appointment of Bernard Higgins in a security and safety role at Parkhead.

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

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

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It's the second time the Green Brigade have staged a protest.

They stayed silent during the first 30-minutes of last weekend's match with Livingston to send a message to the board that they would be unhappy any appointment.

And prior to the match, they displayed a banner with Higgins' face on it.

It carried a photo of the officer with the words: "His evil eyes have no place in Paradise".

Their statement read: "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. 

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"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."

The banner was torn down after the half-hour protest was up, with supporters from that section of the ground chanting 'Higgins get to f***'.