Kneecap at TRNSMT would need 'significant' police operation

Police Scotland have said that allowing rap group Kneecap to perform at the TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow would require "a significant policing operation".

A member of the Irish language group has been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney previously backed calls for Kneecap to be axed from the TRNSMT lineup on 11 July.

It came after the Belfast trio were criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to show a band member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said any decision on who performs at TRNSMT was for the organisers to make.

However, they said concerns had been raised about safely delivering the event if Kneecap take the stage.

TRNSMT is being held at Glasgow Green from 11-13 July, with Kneecap due to perform on the opening night.

The police spokesperson said: "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."

TRNSMT organiser DF Concerts have said they would not be commenting at this stage.

Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 18 June.

In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."

"This is political policing," it continued. "This is a carnival of distraction.

"14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us."

Officers from the Met's counter terrorism command were made aware on 22 April of an online video from the event.

Belfast man Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been charged under the name Liam O'Hanna.

John Swinney previously told BBC Scotland News that previous alleged comments about killing MPs were "completely and utterly unacceptable".

The first minister said: "I think that makes it incredibly difficult for a band like Kneecap to perform at TRNSMT because I think they have crossed a line to be honest.

"It would be unacceptable to perform on such a stage given the fact their comments are so beyond the pale."