Play all audios:
Kneecap axed from TRNSMT festival over 'safety concerns'Police Scotland had previously said the performance at Glasgow Green in July would require "a significant policing operation".NewsIona
Young News Reporter18:38, 28 May 2025Updated 21:08, 28 May 2025(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images) Irish rap group Kneecap have been axed from the line up of Glasgow music festival TRNSMT
amid safety fears.
The trio made up of Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ Ó Dochartaigh (aDJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap), are no longer set to play Glasgow Green on Friday, July 11 due to
concerns over the safety of the event.
Police Scotland had previously said the performance at Glasgow Green in July would require "a significant policing operation".
The decision came after a member of the Irish language group being charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London
gig.
Kneecap were also criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to show a band member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."
The band posted a statement on X and said: "Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT."
Article continues below "To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry...it is out of our hands. Glasgow has always been a huge city for us.
"We’ve played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will. To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th.
"Pre-sale is tomorrow at 10am in our WhatsApp channel. - General sale is 10am this coming Saturday."
It comes as, Liam O’Hanna, whose stage name is Mo Chara, has been charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish
Town, north London, in November last year, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The 27 year old is alleged to have shown it in a way to “arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation”.
Despite the charge, Kneecap arrived at a surprise gig in London last night at the 100 Club on Oxford Street.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Any decision on the line up at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.
"Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event.
Glasgow Tory MSP Annie Wells demanded action from the bosses of the Glasgow festival after their recent controversies.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
First Minister John Swinney has also backed calls for them to be axed, stating it would be "unacceptable" for the band to take to such high-profile stages.
Ms Wells said: "Any reasonable person can see that Kneecap just aren’t fit to perform at TRNSMT.
"After their despicable and dangerous comments, which incited violence against politicians, their appearance will inflame tensions and potentially place people at risk."
The Irish rap group are still set to play Glastonbury this summer on June 27 but have been axed from several UK venues.
After calls for them to be banned from Glastonbury too, the band threatened to take legal actions against critics over attempts to ban them describing them as "defamatory".
Article continues below TRNSMT festival organisers have been contacted for comment.