Kneecap axed from Glasgow TRNSMT over 'police concerns'
On Wednesday, the Irish rap group said their appearance had been cancelled, citing "concerns expressed by the [p]olice about safety at the event".
DF Concerts, which promotes the festival, also confirmed that Kneecap would no longer appear at the festival, while they have been removed from the official line-up on the TRNSMT website.
The band were due to perform at Glasgow Green on July 11.
In a statement on social media, the group said: "'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 sorry...it is out of our hands.
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"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."
The band announced a new concert at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on July 8, "to try to make up for it".
The announcement came after Police Scotland said last week that allowing Kneecap to perform at the festival would require "a significant policing operation".
First Minister John Swinney has also previously called for the band to be axed from TRNSMT, saying the band had "crossed the line" with comments apparently backing Hamas and calling for the death of MPs.
He said at the time: "I think it makes it incredibly difficult for a band like Kneecap to perform at TRNSMT, because I think they have crossed a line.
"It would be unacceptable to me for the band to perform on such a stage."
Last week, one of the group's members was charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London last year.
Liam O hAnnaidh (who performs under the stage name Mo Chara), was charged after footage circulated online which allegedly showed the group calling for the death of British MPs and shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah".
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them.
Kneecap insisted they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and would not incite violence against any individual.
On Wednesday, 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.
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"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."
Promoter DF Concerts informed ticket holders that the group would no longer be performing at TRNSMT.
A spokesperson 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."
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