Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap are reportedly facing assessment by the police in England regarding their 2025 Glastonbury performance. During their set, the band led the crowd in chants of “Free Mo Chara and f*** Keir Starmer” and also thanked the Glastonbury organizers for not succumbing to pressure to cancel their gig.
Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement via their official social media, saying: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon. Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
According to Manchester Evening News, the performances being assessed include both Kneecap and singer Bob Vylan, who performed before the trio.
After performing several of their popular tracks, Kneecap addressed the audience, referencing Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) and his recent court appearance earlier this month. He was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag, which authorities interpreted as a declaration of support for the organization. This charge ignited widespread political and public debate, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating it would be “inappropriate” for Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also urged the BBC to refrain from broadcasting the “Sick In The Head” hitmaker’s set.
“You might have seen that Mo Chara was in Westminster’s courts this month,” band member Móglaí Bap told the crowd. Describing the charges as “trumped-up terrorism,” he added: “This is not the first time there’s been a miscarriage of justice for an Irish person in the British justice system.” He jokingly added, “We will start a riot outside the court [next month] The papers will love that. That’s for the Daily Mail.”
However, the Kneecap member clarified his stance, concluding, “I don’t want anyone to riot – just love and support. And more importantly, support for Palestine.”
