Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig
Kneecap organised the show as a replacement, announcing it by saying: "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 8."
Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig (Image: Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images))
Now, Police Scotland has confirmed that a plan will be in place for their show and 'a number of events and concerts' scheduled to take place this week.
On the same night, Kendrick Lamar and SZA will play a joint headline show at Hampden, while Billie Eilish will play her second sold-out show at the Hydro.
And there will be measures in place to ensure safety and minimise disruption, say the police.
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, Police Scotland stated that Kneecap's performance at TRNSMT – which was later cancelled – would require a "significant" police operation.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Any decision on the lineup at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.
"Officers have highlighted that 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.
"We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival."
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BreakingNews.ie
2 hours ago
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Kneecap rapper faces month-long wait over whether terror charge is thrown out
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Belfast Telegraph
2 hours ago
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O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge of supporting a proscribed terror organisation. Our reporter Niamh Campbell is in London for today's proceedings. Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X Still reporting on all the signage (and there's a lot of it) outside Westminster Magistrates Court today for #mochara #kneecap Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 09:27 AM Kneecap shares image of road signs outside Westminster Magistrates' Court The band shared an image of road signs which read "ethnic cleansing in Palestine" shortly before they arrived at the courthouse. The social media post applauds activists. It comes after the rappers urged protesters to comply with the law. KNEECAP on Twitter / X To whoever did this 👏👏👏👏👏 KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 09:21 AM Gerry Carroll addresses crowds outside court MLA Gerry Carroll addresses the crowds outside the courthouse, condemning "racist protests" in Northern Ireland and criticising the police for going after Kneecap and pro-Palestine groups instead of "racist bigots". Today 09:15 AM Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh receives another rockstar welcome at court Following similar scenes at his previous court appearance in June, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh arrived at court this morning and was once again supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh. The Met Police imposed restrictions on protesters to avoid chaos outside the court. Kneecap described the strict conditions on protesters as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome'. However the band had appealed to supporters "to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful'. Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X The other side you don't see - the media side! #mochara #london Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 08:53 AM Liam Og O hAnnaidh swamped by photographers as he arrives at court alongside fellow band member It took the 27-year-old more than a minute to enter Westminster Magistrates' Court as security officers attempted to usher him through the front entrance. Hundreds of supporters greeted the Kneecap rapper with cheers as he made his way from a silver people-carrier to the building, alongside fellow band member Naoise Ó Caireallain (Móglaí Bap). The third member of the Kneecap trio, J.J. Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí) has also arrived at the courthouse. Today 08:41 AM Mo Chara arrives at court This was the scene as Mo Chara arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court shortly after 9.30am. The crowd chanted 'Free Mo Chara', matching signs which were held aloft alongside Irish and Palestinian flags. Today 08:28 AM Sinn Fein MP among protesters outside court John Finucane is addressing activists ahead of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's court appearance. The North Belfast representative has joined pro-Palestine campaigners outside the courthouse. "We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month," he said. "We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara, tiochfaidh ar lá" Today 08:21 AM 'I love their music and the fact that they want to free Palestine' Arul Joseph from London believes Kneecap are massively popular outside of Ireland and has been following them for a year. Today 08:11 AM Rush hour commuters express support for Kneecap member facing terror charge Drivers passing a protest zone outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London have been honking their horns in support of activists. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear before a judge this morning accused of supporting the proscribed terror group Hezbollah. Our reporter Niamh Campbell is there. Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X Westminster Magistrates is packed - people keep beeping their horns as they drive past #kneecap #mochara @BelTel Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 08:07 AM 'I'm pro Kneecap' Niamh Campbell talks to Louise Kelleher, who is originally from Co Cork but lives in London, about why she is supporting Mo Chara today. Crowd grows ahead of Kneecap member's court appearance Our reporter Niamh Campbell is outside court: "Protesters have been gathering outside Westminster Magistrates Court since 8am this morning. "Some of them are waving Palestine flags with one activist from NI wearing a massive papier-mâché head imitating DJ Provaí. "A small stage has been set up in a restriction zone with hundreds of cars driving past during rush hour beeping their horns in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. "One woman is holding a sign with a message to the Prime Minister. "It reads: "Catch yourself on Keir". " Today 07:52 AM 'I felt I had to be here to support Kneecap and Mo Chara' Niamh Campbell talks to a supporter from Co Tyrone outside the court, who is wearing a massive paper maché head of Kneecap member DJ Provaí
Sky News
3 hours ago
- Sky News
Kneecap rapper greeted by hundreds of supporters at terror charge court hearing
Why you can trust Sky News A member of rap trio Kneecap has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in court charged with supporting a proscribed terror organisation - as hundreds turned out to support him outside. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November last year. Demonstrators waving flags and holding banners in support of the rapper greeted him with cheers as he made his way into Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning. Supported by his Kneecap bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, it took O hAnnaidh more than a minute to enter the building as security officers worked to usher him inside through a crowd of photographers and supporters. Fans held signs which read "Free Mo Chara", while others waved Irish and Palestinian flags. As the hearing got under way, O hAnnaidh confirmed his name, date of birth and address. An Irish language interpreter was present in court. During a previous hearing, prosecutors said the 27-year-old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but said the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town was a "wholly different thing". O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge. He will appear in court for a further hearing on 26 September. Who are Kneecap? Kneecap put out their first single in 2017 and rose to wider prominence in 2024 after the release of their debut album and an eponymously titled film - a fictionalised retelling of how the band came together and their fight to save the Irish language. The film, in which the trio play themselves and co-star alongside starring Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender, won the BAFTA for outstanding debut earlier this year, for director and writer Rich Peppiatt. Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK government after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was business secretary. They are known for songs including H.O.O.D, Fine Art, and Better Way To Live, featuring Fontaines DC frontman Grian Chatten, with lyrics switching between the Irish language and English.
