Kneecap at TRNSMT would want 'vital' police operation

Getty Images Three men stand together. The two at the front are wearing black sports clothing and smiling at the camera. The man in the middle is wearing a green, white and orange balaclava and a white t shirt. They are in front of a pink wall which is emblazoned with the letters BFI. — Móglaí Bap, Dj Provaí, and Mo Chara from the band Kneecap say they’ve confronted a co-ordinated smear marketing campaign

Police Scotland have stated that permitting rap group Kneecap to carry out on the TRNSMT music competition in Glasgow would require “a big policing operation”.

A member of the Irish language group has been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in assist of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney beforehand backed requires Kneecap to be axed from the TRNSMT lineup on 11 July.

It got here after the Belfast trio have been criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to indicate a band member saying: “The one good Tory is a useless Tory. Kill your native MP.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson stated any resolution on who performs at TRNSMT was for the organisers to make.

Nevertheless, they stated issues had been raised about safely delivering the occasion if Kneecap take the stage.

TRNSMT is being held at Glasgow Inexperienced from 11-13 July, with Kneecap resulting from carry out on the opening night time.

The police spokesperson stated: “There was no prior session with Police Scotland earlier than acts have been booked.

“Officers have highlighted the potential response of such a big viewers to this band would require a big policing operation in an effort to assist the supply of a protected occasion.

“We have now additionally handed on info from the general public round security issues to permit organisers to make an knowledgeable resolution on the operating of the competition.”

TRNSMT organiser DF Concert events have stated they might not be commenting at this stage.

Liam Ó hAnnaidh, who performs beneath the identify Mo Chara, is because of seem at Westminster Magistrates’ Courtroom subsequent month

PA Media Close shot of a dark haired young man with short brown hair, a black hooded jacket and dark sunglasses on top his head — Liam Ó hAnnaidh, who performs beneath the identify Mo Chara, is because of seem at Westminster Magistrates’ Courtroom subsequent month

Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 on the O2 Discussion board in Kentish City, London.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs beneath the identify Mo Chara, is because of seem at Westminster Magistrates’ Courtroom on Wednesday 18 June.

In a press release posted on social media, Kneecap stated: “We deny this ‘offence’ and can vehemently defend ourselves.”

Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been charged in relation to an incident in Kentish City

Social Media Two men are on a stage. One holds up a yellow flag. — Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been charged in relation to an incident in Kentish City

“That is political policing,” it continued. “It is a carnival of distraction.

“14,000 infants are about to die of hunger in Gaza, with meals despatched by the world sitting on the opposite facet of a wall, and as soon as once more the British institution is targeted on us.”

Officers from the Met’s counter terrorism command have been made conscious on 22 April of a web-based video from the occasion.

Belfast man Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been charged beneath the identify Liam O’Hanna.

John Swinney beforehand informed BBC Scotland Information that earlier alleged feedback about killing MPs have been “utterly and totally unacceptable”.

The primary minister stated: “I believe that makes it extremely troublesome for a band like Kneecap to carry out at TRNSMT as a result of I believe they’ve crossed a line to be sincere.

“It will be unacceptable to carry out on such a stage given the very fact their feedback are so past the pale.”