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Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Politicians blast Police Scotland over Kneecap TRNSMT axe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) POLITICIANS have blasted Police Scotland after Kneecap was axed from the TRNSMT lineup. The controversial rap group have faced backlash after videos emerged from performances in 2023 where they urged audience members to "Kill your local MP" and claimed "The only good Tory is a dead Tory." Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Kneecap were dropped from the TRNSMT lineup earlier this week Credit: Reuters 3 They were set to perform at the Glasgow Green festival on July 11 Credit: Roddy Scott 3 Now, Glasgow politician's have blasted Police Scotland's stance on their TRNSMT gig Credit: Alamy The self-proclaimed "Republican hoods" were set to perform on Friday, July 11, at the Glasgow Green festival - coinciding with the eve of the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne and the Orange Order march. Further controversy surrounded Kneecap's Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí after one member was charged with terror offences. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, who performs under the moniker Mo Chara, was charged last week by the Metropolitan Police for allegedly displaying a flag supporting the terrorist organisation Hezbollah. And on Wednesday, the band was dropped from TRNSMT amid growing calls for their removal from the festival's lineup. Kneecap released a statement on social media saying they could no longer perform at the event "due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event". They apologised to fans and announced a new gig at Glasgow's O2 Academy on July 8 in a bid to "make up for it". Now, Glasgow politicians have hit out at Police Scotland's stance on the TRNSMT performance- branding the decision "questionable." Glasgow Greens co-leader Jon Molyneux said: 'The police position on this is deeply questionable. We are talking about one band, playing for around 45 minutes, in six weeks' time, in a secure, ticketed, bag-searched environment. It stretches credibility to claim that this presents an insurmountable operational problem when the police routinely manage major events and demonstrations in the city. 'In all of this one thing matters more than anything and that's that Kneecap isn't the story. The genocide and humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the story and we all have a duty to speak out on that.' Glasgow Cathcart SNP MSP James Dornan said: 'I'm truly concerned by the police statement that Kneecap should not play at TRNSMT because they can't guarantee their safety. Who exactly is threatening them? Israel? Supporters of genocide? Anti Irish protesters? Who exactly? This is an extremely worrying decision.' Kneecap perform surprise gig in London hours after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, charged with terror offence 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. '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.' A spokesperson for TRNSMT said: 'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11 July. We thank fans for their understanding."
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kneecap PULL OUT of TRNSMT amid calls for rappers to be axed from line-up
'WE ARE SORRY' 'WE ARE SORRY' Kneecap PULL OUT of TRNSMT amid calls for rappers to be axed from line-up Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KNEECAP has pulled out of this year's TRNSMT line-up following calls for the group to be axed. The Irish hip-hop trio were due to perform at Glasgow Green in July. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT Credit: PA 3 TRNSMT festival returns to Glasgow Green this summer with a host of stars Credit: Roddy Scott But the Met Police confirmed rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, from Belfast, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. O'Hanna, who performs under the moniker Mo Chara, has been charged with displaying a flag in support of the Iranian proxy force in Lebanon. The alleged incident unfolded on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum, in Kentish Town, London. Kneecap will instead play a gig at Glasgow's O2 Academy on Tuesday, July 8. Today's announcement follows growing calls for the group to be banned from playing the Glasgow Green event. They have faced backlash after videos emerged of the self-proclaimed "Repbulican hoods" urging fans to "kill your local MP" and chanting "The only good Tory is a dead Tory". In a statement on Facebook, the group wrote: "Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. "To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are 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." 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. "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." 3 Kneecap comprises Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh Credit: Peadar Ó Goill A spokesperson for TRNSMT said: 'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11 July. We thank fans for their understanding." First Minister John Swinney recently waded into the row saying it was 'unacceptable' for them to perform at TRNSMT. Some have also called for the group's Glastonbury slot to be axed and their music removed from streaming sites in the Commons. It comes after they were dropped from a festival line-up in Cornwall. Kneecap first came under fire after ending their Coachella performance with a pro-Palestinian message. A message reading "F*** Israel, Free Palestine" appeared on the screen behind them at the end of their set. Sharon Osbourne, whose father was Jewish, slammed them on Instagram and demanded their US visas be revoked. It also emerged the Coachella gig led to the band receiving death threats. When asked about the threats, their manager Daniel Lambert told Irish broadcaster RTÉ: "It would be too severe to tell you on the radio at this time of day but you could probably imagine the things yourself." When asked if the messages specifically included death threats, he said: "They have yes." He added: "If somebody is hurt by the truth, that's something for them to be hurt by, but it's really important to speak truth. "Thankfully the lads are not afraid to do that." A film about the band was also released in 2024 and saw the director Rich Peppiatt win a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. Last year Kneecap won their action challenging the withdrawal of arts funding by the previous Tory government.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kneecap threaten to sue critics as bid to ban TRNSMT act from performing Glasgow fails
Counter terrorism cops are also continuing to probe the band 'APOLOGISE NOW' Kneecap threaten to sue critics as bid to ban TRNSMT act from performing Glasgow fails Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KNEECAP has threatened to sue critics after a bid to ban the Irish rappers from the TRNSMT lineup failed. It comes after the Belfast-based band faced backlash after videos emerged of the self-proclaimed "Fenians" urging fans to "kill your local MP" and chanting "The only good Tory is a dead Tory". Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Counter terrorism cops are continuing to probe the band Credit: AFP 2 The band are set to perform at TRNSMT in Glasgow this summer Credit: Roddy Scott The videos sparked outrage, with many calling for them to be axed from playing Glasgow's TRNSMT festival on July 11 and Glastonbury on June 27. First Minister John Swinney was among those who backed these claims, saying it would be "unacceptable" for them to "perform on such a stage". Counter terrorism cops are also continuing to probe Kneecap's Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí after another video of a member appearing to chant 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' surfaced at concerts in 2023 and 2024. Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry. Phoenix Law on behalf of Kneecap The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed a man was interviewed under caution at a station in Belfast on Sunday as part of the broader investigation into the band. A spokesperson for the Met said: "The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. "Police interviewed a man who voluntarily attended an interview under caution at a police station in Belfast on Sunday, 18 May. Enquiries remain ongoing." A "private and confidential" email between music agents and Glastonbury bosses, pushing for Kneecap to be banned from the legendary festival, was allegedly leaked to the band. According to the Daily Mail, Kneecap hit back at critics with a legal letter from Phoenix Law, slamming them for making "untrue and defamatory" claims. It reads: "Your correspondence seeks to monopolise your status within the industry to impose direct and concerted pressure on Glastonbury, to restrict freedom of expression. "Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry." Kneecap movie sets sights for Hollywood The letter threatens to "commence high court civil proceedings for damages for the damage you have inflicted". It adds: "However, before our clients formally seek to issue pre-action correspondence, we write to offer you the opportunity to resolve these matters by way of an immediate and unequivocal apology." SNP councillors in Glasgow last week went against the First Minister's calls to pull Kneecap from TRNSMT. At a debate on the war in Gaza, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: "The UK is a state where MPs have been murdered in recent years. Words can and do matter. "That, certainly not on the part of the SNP group, doesn't translate into support for a ban on them playing in Glasgow or indeed anywhere else. "Or indeed does it take away from the point that the condemnation of Kneecap, particularly in the United States, much of it does appear to be driven by a wider dislike of their stances, not only their position in support of the Palestinian people but also their general stance of satirical provocation." Kneecap has since issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess, who was killed by an Islamic State fanatic in 2021, and Jo Cox, who was killed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair in 2016.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Nine arrested at Celtic fans' trophy day street party as 15 also charged over pyros and weapons
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COPS have charged FIFTEEN people following Celtic fans' boozy title party in Glasgow city centre with nine arrests made. Thousands of Hoops fans gathered in the Trongate area to celebrate their team receiving the Scottish Premiership trophy. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 Thousands of Celtic fans gathered in Merchant City Credit: Alamy 3 Cops were on the scene in Glasgow Credit: Roddy Scott 3 Cops have confirmed nine arrests were made Credit: Alamy The Celtic players received the silverware following the 1-1 draw with St Mirren at Parkhead, the final match of the season. Away from Celtic Park, there was a huge gathering of supporters in the city. The unofficial title party has become an annual event with thousands flocking to the areas surrounding the Merchant City. There were shocking scenes of violence while fans were spotted climbing traffic lights and setting off pyrotechnics. Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council had urged fans NOT to gather but thousands still made the trip. Now, cops have revealed nine arrests were made in total - three at the game and six in the city centre. 15 people have been charged in connection with several offences. These include possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order offences. Six fixed penalty notices were also dished out as well as four recorded police warnings. Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Divisional Commander, Greater Glasgow Division, said: 'While some fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, thousands didn't and descended on Glasgow Cross causing significant disruption to the city. Celtic fans enjoy title party as they celebrate team lifting Premioership trophy 'This mass assembly of people also had an impact on some local businesses who took the decision to close early or completely as a consequence. 'A significant majority of those who congregated were highly intoxicated, with evidence of drug misuse requiring medical intervention. A number of people were admitted to local hospitals as a consequence. 'There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street furniture requiring assistance. 'Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries to officers. 'We will continue to work with partners to achieve a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Popular UK pub chain with Glasgow branches to hike beer prices
Find out how much your favourite drinks will cost Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR UK pub chain with several Glasgow branches is set to hike beer prices in a fresh blow for punters. Stonegate Group, which owns boozers such as Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout and Popworld, says the change will come into force from Friday, May 2. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Stonegate Group is set to hike beer prices Credit: Roddy Scott Their portfolio also includes The Merchant, Home, The Ark and The Howgait in Glasgow, among others. Bosses say the move follows "significant cost pressures and challenges" affecting the hospitality industry. The sector was hammered by closures during the Covid-19 pandemic and was immediately dealt another blow by supply issues and the cost of living crisis. A spokesperson for Stonegate said: "Our annual price review this year reflects the significant cost pressures and challenges faced by our sector over the last 12 months. "We are absolutely committed to supporting our publicans, enabling them to continue to play the vital role in the communities they serve." Stonegate is hiking beer and other booze selling prices by 4% for its leased and tenanted pubs. Boozers will likely then have to push this cost onto drinkers, which could add an extra 15 to 20p onto drinks. For example, a pint like Hofbräu Original Lager that typically costs £5.50, could now cost £5.75. Similarly, the Thistly Cross Traditional Sparkling Apple Cider that would usually sell at £5, could increase to £5.20. A number of pubs are also warning they will have to hike prices for customers this year after the Government's Autumn Budget. First look inside new Glasgow pub with a live train timetable board and hi tech cocktail machine Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage are both rising. But businesses have cautioned this will force them into upping the price of drinks as they try and absorb the extra costs.
