Police Scotland has issued a press release on security forward of Kneecap’s live performance in Glasgow on Tuesday night time (08.07.25).
Police Scotland have put in further security precautions forward of Kneecap’s Glasgow gig
The hip-hop trio – comprising Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí – are set to play the O2 Academy within the metropolis as a substitute gig after their deliberate set at TRNSMT Competition was axed because of the controversies surrounding the group and the concern that it may provoke a robust viewers response, requiring a “vital policing operation”.
Superintendent Paul Douglas stated in a press release: “We’re conscious of quite a few occasions and live shows as a consequence of happen within the Larger Glasgow space within the week starting Monday, July 7, 2025.
“A proportionate and regarded policing plan is in place throughout the metropolis and we’re working with quite a few stakeholders to make sure the protection of all these attending these occasions and the place potential minimise disruption to the folks of Glasgow.”
In June, Kneecap’s Mo Chara was unconditionally bailed after going through a terror cost.
The courtroom heard that the problem was with the band member – whose actual title is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – “displaying a flag in assist of proscribed organisation Hezbollah” at their O2 Discussion board Kentish City gig in London in November 2024, not voicing his opinions on Israel and Palestine, which he is “effectively inside his rights” to do.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove informed the courtroom: “It’s not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s assist for the folks of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.
“He’s effectively inside his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anyone else.
“The allegation on this case is a completely totally different factor and offers with a video recording displaying that, in November of final 12 months, Mr Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, whereas saying ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’.
“In fact, assist for the one is just not the identical as assist for the opposite.
“So the problem on this case, and the explanation it has come to courtroom, it centres on the obvious assist by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.”
Ó hAnnaidh was subsequently launched on unconditional bail till his subsequent listening to on August 20.
Not solely was he supported by his bandmates – Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – on the courtroom, however lots of of supporters turned as much as stand in solidarity with the star, with calls of “Free Palestine” heard as he left the constructing.
In a press release on Instagram concerning the phobia cost, Kneecap wrote: “We deny this ‘offense’ and can vehemently defend ourselves.
“That is political policing. 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 aspect of a wall, and as soon as once more the British institution is concentrated on us.
“We’re on the best aspect of historical past. You aren’t. We’ll combat you in courtroom. We’ll win.”
Kneecap had a number of reveals cancelled because of the backlash however nonetheless acquired to play Glastonbury’s West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday, June 28 – regardless of calls from MPs for them to be banned.
