Police Scotland have confirmed they have a "proportionate and considered policing plan" in place for Kneecap's sold-out performance at Glasgow's O2 Academy on Tuesday. The Belfast rap group will perform after being axed from the TRNSMT festival line-up over safety concerns.
The satirical Irish-language trio were cancelled from TRNSMT following controversy over rapper Mo Chara, who faces terrorism charges related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag on stage. Counter-terror police investigated the incident, which Kneecap claim is linked to their outspoken criticism of the war in Gaza.
TRNSMT cancellation sparks controversy
TRNSMT organisers dropped Kneecap from their line-up at the end of May after Police Scotland raised safety concerns. First Minister John Swinney urged festival organisers to cancel the performance scheduled for 11th July, stating they "have got to consider that issue".
Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Og O hAnnaidh, was charged by the Metropolitan Police in May under the name Liam O'Hanna. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 18th June over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig.
Political pressure mounts
The controversy prompted calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for Glastonbury to cancel Kneecap's performance on 28th June. Festival organisers refused to bow to the pressure and the group performed as scheduled.
Tuesday's Glasgow gig takes place alongside performances by Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar in the city. Police Scotland say they will work to minimise disruption whilst ensuring public safety for all events taking place in Greater Glasgow this week.
Court case details emerge
At O hAnnaidh's last court hearing, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove clarified the charges. "It's not about Mr O hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel," he said. "The allegation 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 stated they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned organisations in the UK. Despite the TRNSMT cancellation, the group remain scheduled to perform at 2000trees rock festival on 10th July, Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on 15th August and Belfast Vital on 29th August.
Future performances confirmed
O hAnnaidh's next court appearance is scheduled for 20th August, nine days before the Belfast Vital performance. Superintendent Paul Douglas confirmed police are working with stakeholders to ensure safety at all events in Greater Glasgow this week.
The Belfast rappers continue to maintain their innocence whilst defending their right to voice opinions on Palestine. Their Tuesday performance marks their return to Glasgow following the high-profile festival cancellation.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
