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Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Police have ‘proportionate and considered' plan ahead of Glasgow Kneecap gig
Police Scotland say they have a 'proportionate and considered policing plan' ahead of Kneecap's gig in Glasgow, which replaces their cancelled slot at the TRNSMT festival. 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.' Read More Sarah Harte: Limiting freedom of speech is a threat to a functioning democracy
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kneecap gig sees Glasgow police form 'proportionate and considered' plan
Police Scotland say they have a "proportionate and considered policing plan" ahead of Kneecap's gig in Glasgow, which replaces their cancelled slot at the TRNSMT festival. 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." Mo Chara, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May, 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 Prime Minister Sir 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 O 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."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Police issue update with 'considered plan' ahead of Kneecap headline gig
Kneecap will headline Glasgow's O2 Academy later tonight, but Police Scotland have put a thorough plan in place due to them facing a counter-terrorism investigation Police Scotland has issued an update ahead of Kneecap's headline show at Glasgow's O2 Academy. The Irish rap trio will headline the city centre venue, which was organised after their set at TRNSMT festival was cancelled. The group were dropped from the line-up, which consists of artists including 50 Cent, The Royston Club, Fontaines D.C. The Lathums, The K's, Gracie Abrams and Snow Patrol, which is taking place this upcoming weekend. Bosses made the decision to pull them following a row over an investigation by counter-terrorism police into rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara. hAnnaidh is accused of terrorism offences relating to displaying a Hezbollah flag, which he allegedly held up on stage at a gig in London. He and the band furiously deny the allegations. TRNSMT said they had cancelled their performance at the end of May due to safety fears raised by Police Scotland. At festivals, the band often pull in huge crowds, causing stages to reach maximum capacity moments before they're due on stage. Now, Police Scotland have said they hope to keep disruption to a minimum due to a string of high profile events taking place in the city this week. 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." 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." hAnnaidh was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May, 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 Prime Minister Sir 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 O 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 'Ip Hamas, up Hezbollah'." Kneecap have denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK. At the time of Mr O hAnnaidh's arrest, the band said: "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again, the British establishment is focused on us. We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. "A charge not serious enough to even warrant their 'crown court', instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective? To restrict our travel ability. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare to speak out. "Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it. "We stand proudly with the people. You stand complicit with the war criminals. We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win. Free Palestine."
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kneecap to perform Glasgow gig tonight after TRNSMT axe controversy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IRISH rappers Kneecap will play a sold-out gig in Glasgow tonight after they were axed from the TRNSMT line-up. The group were ditched by promoters DF Concerts amid 'safety concerns' around the July 11 event. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 The band were axed from the festival line-up over "safety concerns" Credit: PA 3 The rappers were due to take to the stage on Friday, July 11 Credit: Roddy Scott 3 Defiant Kneecap will take to the stage at the O2 Academy tonight Credit: Alamy It follows 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 Belfast group, who perform in Irish, have been outspoken critics of the war in Gaza. Kneecap's festival slot was cancelled at the end of May over safety concerns by Police Scotland. The trio will take to the stage at the O2 Academy in Glasgow tonight days before TRNSMT begins. Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar are also performing in the city today, with Police Scotland "aiming to minimise disruption". 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." Tickets were snapped up in seconds for Kneecap's highly-anticipated gig. Mo Chara, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May, over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Kneecap have said they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Kneecap chants 'f*** Keir Starmer' in another foul rant just days after sparking police probe at Glastonbury First Minister John Swinney previously said it would be unacceptable for them to perform at TRNSMT. And Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the group to be axed from their slot on the Glastonbury line-up on June 28. 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.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Police Scotland issues statement ahead of Kneecap Glasgow gig after TRNSMT slot cancelled
Kneecap will play a replacement concert in Glasgow on Tuesday night after the Belfast band's TRNSMT slot was cancelled. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Police Scotland say they have a 'proportionate and considered policing plan' ahead of Kneecap's gig in Glasgow, which replaces their cancelled slot at the TRNSMT festival. 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kneecap performed at Glastonbury Festival last month despite Keir Starmer saying their presence was not 'appropriate' (Picture: Leon Neal) | Getty Images 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In May, First Minister John Swinney urged for TRNSMT to cancel the performance on July 11, saying 'organisers of TRNSMT have got to consider that issue'. Mo Chara, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh, was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May, 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 Prime Minister Sir 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. A Kneecap fan at Glastonbury, brandishing merchandise the band sells referring to their recent controversies. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA Wire 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the last hearing, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: 'It's not about Mr O 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
