CELTIC'S supporter group The Green Brigade will hold a bucket collection to raise funds for mounting legal costs.

The Hoops supporters announced plans for the collection before the match against Ross County on March 31 at Celtic Park.

In a statement released on social media, The Green Brigade stated that their legal bill continues to mount despite the controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football Act being scrapped.

We previously reported that MSPs voted by 62 to 60 to pass James’ Kelly’s bill to repeal the act in the Scottish Parliament.

Labour, the Tories LibDems and Greens voted to scrap the Act which came into effect in 2012.

In a statement, The Green Brigade said: "Despite a historic victory for Celtic support at Parliament on Thursday, our legal bill continues to mount.

"Group members are currently facing more than 40 charges under the Act and other legislation, for alleged crimes ranging from wearing supposedly offensive t-shirts to singing about where the police can shove their cameras.

"Meeting these costs makes it increasingly difficult for us to fund the tifos that have become such an integral part of big matches at Celtic Park, Hampden and elsewhere over the past 12 years, improving the atmosphere and inspiring the team on the park."

The statement continues: "Throughout that time and many difficulties, we have been able to count on the support and solidarity of our fellow Celtic fans and without you many of the iconic actions of past including full stadium displays for our club's 125th anniversary and to celebrate the Lisbon Lions 50 years after their triumph in the European Cup final - would not have been possible, and we are now asking for you to help ensure our tifo work continues as our team marches on to 10 in a row.

"All donations, little and large, will be greatly appreciated.

"For those who won't make the game, you can make a donation by PayPal at greenbrigade@hotmail.co.uk."

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