Politicians blast Police Scotland over Kneecap TRNSMT axe
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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."
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Kneecap were dropped from the TRNSMT lineup earlier this week
Credit: Reuters
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They were set to perform at the Glasgow Green festival on July 11
Credit: Roddy Scott
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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."
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