Sniffer dog checks Kneecap's room before Glasgow show

Glasgow Times

09-07-2025

The Irish rap trio performed at the O2 Academy in the Southside after being removed from the TRNSMT line-up in May.
Promoters dropped the group from the July 11 event following safety concerns raised by Police Scotland.
At the time, Police Scotland stated: "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 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."
(Image: Newsquest) The controversy follows an investigation by counter-terror police into rapper Mo Chara, who is accused of terrorism offences related to allegedly holding up a Hezbollah flag on stage.
The band apologised to fans and, in a bid to "try to make up for it", announced a replacement show at the O2 Academy, which sold out in just 80 seconds.
Before the gig, a video posted to the band's Instagram page showed a dog being led around their dressing room. A photo shared on their Facebook page also showed a van marked with a 'search dogs' sticker.
(Image: Kneecap Instagram) Kneecap addressed the incident on social media, thanking both fans and demonstrators outside the venue.
They wrote: "Some scenes outside the venue for tonight's gig in Glasgow.
"Hats off to the dozens of Palestine activists who've been here all day.
"Buzzing to play one of our favourite cities for a show that sold out in seconds.
"Your sniffer dogs are sh*te."
It is understood that the dog was not a police sniffer dog and that no Police Scotland officers were involved in searching the venue.
Ahead of the gig, Police Scotland confirmed that it will implement a 'proportionate and considered policing plan' to ensure public safety.
A visible police presence surrounded the O2 Academy throughout the evening, with officers on patrol in the surrounding area.
READ MORE: Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig
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, July 7, 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.'
READ MORE: Kneecap arrive at Glasgow O2 gig in Celtic FC shirt
The Glasgow Times reported that the trio arrived at the venue to a crowd of pro-Palestine demonstrators, including members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who gathered with flags outside the Gorbals-based venue.
As they entered, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Móglaí Bap, was photographed wearing a retro version of Celtic FC's 1996 'bumblebee' shirt.
(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Mo Chara, who is currently facing terrorism charges, was seen dressed entirely in black and waving to the crowd.
Ó Cairealláin was also spotted carrying a leaflet demanding that charges against Mo Chara be dropped, and controversially calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested.