Police have ‘proportionate and considered' plan ahead of Glasgow Kneecap gig
Kneecap were axed from the line-up of TRNSMT in the city amid a row over an investigation by counter-terror police into rapper Mo Chara, who is accused of terrorism offences related to a Hezbollah flag he allegedly held up on stage.
The satirical Belfast rap group, who perform in Irish, have been outspoken critics of the war in Gaza and said the prosecution — following an investigation by the Met Police — is linked to their views on Palestine.
TRNSMT cancelled Kneecap's performance at the end of May over safety concerns by Police Scotland.
On Tuesday, they are set to perform a sold-out gig at the O2 Academy in Glasgow, days before TRNSMT begins on Friday.
As well as Kneecap, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar are also performing in Glasgow on Tuesday.
Police Scotland say they will aim to minimise disruption in the city.
In May, First Minister John Swinney urged for TRNSMT to cancel the performance on July 11, saying that 'organisers of TRNSMT have got to consider that issue.'
Musicians perform among supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire).
Mo Chara, also known as Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May[/url], over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18.
The furore led to calls from British prime minister Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for Glastonbury to cancel a performance from the Belfast rappers on June 28, which the festival organisers did not do.
Despite being cancelled from TRNSMT, Kneecap are still due to perform scheduled shows at 2000trees rock festival on July 10, Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on August 15 and Belfast Vital on August 29 — nine days after O hAnnaidh's next court appearance.
At the last hearing, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: 'It's not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.
'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else.
'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'.'
Kneecap have said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK.
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 July 7 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.'
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3 hours ago
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The Polaroids will eventually make their way into special limited-edition copies of his upcoming eighth album Play. read more on ed sheeran It's been three years since Ed last did shows in the UK and this weekend feels special. We meet on Friday evening before the first of his three sell-out By today, Ed will have played to 90,000 fans. After I tell him I can't believe he's not exhausted from touring the globe non- stop for four years, Ed nods: 'I'm knackered. Most read in Bizarre 'The tour ends in September. I'm going to have a big party to celebrate the end of the tour. It's been four years.' At least for this weekend Ed got to wake up in his own bed in his ' Ed Sheeran teams up with school pals AND 00s rock legend for epic performance 'All three nights I'm at home — even Sunday,' Ed says, clearly relieved to be back for a burst of normality. But a boozy Sunday was off the cards after he took his final bow last night. 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Fans have flown in from all over the world and have been camping outside the stadium since 4am in baking heat. While the local Burger King is offering an Ed combo special for £10.99. By the time he takes to the stage at 8.15pm, the atmosphere is electric. Ed kicks things off with new track Sapphire followed by 2021 No1 Shivers and his 2011 track The A Team. Within the first 15 minutes, multiple pyrotechnics and fireworks pop off around us. Beaming, Ed tells the crowd: 'It's good to be back. "I have been looking forward to this so, so much. 'SPECIAL WEEKEND' 'All the times I've come to this stadium and imagined playing it. 'It looks amazing.' Ed continues: 'Over the last 15 years I've only really played one other big show in Ipswich. 'We played a park to signal the end of Divide and it's really cool to play here and signal the beginning of Play. 'Everything you hear tonight is live. 'There is no backing track whatsoever — it's all made by me.' 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CHART CHAMP'S £10M BONUS ED'S homecoming weekend could boost the local economy by around £10million – thanks to fans splashing the cash on hotels, meals out and drinks. Tickets for all three shows sold out within an hour earlier this year. 9 A boat in the Ipswich marina with a 'Welcome home Ed' banner Credit: Supplied A boat in the marina was emblazoned with a 'Welcome home Ed' banner and Ipswich town centre was packed all day – with guitar shop owner John Fender, who previously served Ed in his store, telling the BBC his shop has never been busier. John said: 'He used to come in and buy music books when he was growing up, then in October 2022 he popped in and bought a guitar and amp from us before his surprise gig in the Cornhill. 'Everyone's buzzing. 'We've had some people in today from Germany, from America. 'People are travelling from all around to Ipswich. 'I think it's brilliant for the town and the area.' 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'I will never forget that moment x.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
