Kneecap fans at Glasgow O2 Academy gig slam TRNSMT axe

Glasgow Times

2 days ago

KNEECAP are set to take to the O2 Academy stage in Glasgow tonight after their controversial axing from TRNSMT.
The trio—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí—were originally scheduled to headline the King Tut's stage at TRNSMT 2025, but were dropped from the line-up in May after Police Scotland raised safety concerns.
In response, the group announced a headline show tonight, July 8, which was sold out within just 80 seconds.
We spoke to fans in the queue outside the Southside venue to ask them if they thought the controversial rappers should have been allowed to play at the festival.
Kneecap fans at Glasgow O2 Academy gig slam TRNSMT axe (Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: Kneecap member arrives at sold-out Glasgow gig in retro Celtic shirt
Laura Pentleton, 18, from Ardrossan (Image: Newsquest) Laura Pentleton, 18, from Ardrossan, was "buzzing" for the show, she said: "I think they should have been allowed to play."
"I think if there are bands going about on the same weekend talking about what they believe in, I think Kneecap should be able to do the same."
Dee Maxwell, 35, and Kiara McGuiness also thought the band should've played on the stage at Glasgow Green this weekend.
They said: "Yeah, definitely 100%."
"It's freedom of speech at the end of the day, and telling somebody not to play.
"It's just taking the freedom of speech away."
Dee Maxwell and Kiara McGuiness (Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: TRNSMT 2025: Stage times revealed for this weekend's festival takeover in Glasgow
It'll be the third time seeing the band for Taylor Davidson from Greenock, who anticipates this show being "special."
The 24-year-old was also in support of the band, she said: "Absolutely. They should have been allowed to play.
"I think what we're seeing now is an attempt of censorship of free speech and we're very see we're very quickly seeing ourselves becoming a police state of what you're allowed to say when you're allowed to say it.
"So absolutely they should have been allowed to play."
Taylor Davidson (Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: Police statement ahead of Kneecap's O2 Academy show after TRNMST drop
The band was seen arriving at the venue amidst a crowd of pro-Palestine demonstrators, including members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, waving flags outside the Gorbals-based venue.
As they entered, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Móglaí Bap, was photographed wearing a retro version of Celtic FC's 1996 bumblebee shirt.
Mo Chara, who is currently facing terror offence charges, was seen waving to the crowd dressed entirely in black.
Ó Cairealláin was seen carrying a leaflet calling for the charges against Mo Chara to be dropped and controversially calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested.
Móglaí Bap, was photographed wearing a retro version of Celtic FC's 1996 bumblebee shirt. (Image: PA/Andrew Milligan)
READ MORE: ScotRail warning to TRNSMT travellers ahead of festival
The Glasgow Times reported yesterday that Police Scotland confirmed that it will implement a 'proportionate and considered policing plan' to ensure public safety.
A visible police presence surrounded the O2 Academy throughout the evening, with officers on patrol in the surrounding area.
Superintendent Paul Douglas said: 'We are aware of a number of events and concerts due to take place in the Greater Glasgow area in the week beginning Monday, 7 July, 2025.
'A proportionate and considered policing plan is in place within the city and we are working with a number of stakeholders to ensure the safety of all those attending these events and, where possible, minimise disruption to the people of Glasgow.'