Police crash Kneecap’s surprise gig after rapper is charged with terror offence over ‘Hezbollah flag’

Police officers are seen outside the 100 Club in Oxford Street, where Kneecap have announced a surprise gig (Picture: PA) Police turned up at Kneecap’s surprise gig in central London less than 24 hours after rapper Liam O’Hanna was charged with a terror offence. At least three officers were seen walking into the 100 Club on Oxford Street where the trio are performing tonight in response to the charge, which they branded as ‘political policing’ and a ‘carnival of distraction’. The Metropolitan Police said: ‘A policing plan is in place around tonight’s event to ensure it passes off safely. ‘This is primarily in terms of managing visitors to the venue for what we understand is a spontaneous and sold-out event. ‘There have been no issues or arrests.’ A short queue formed outside the venue before the doors opened after the band said on X that the event sold out in 90 seconds, with 2,000 people on the waiting list. Kneecap member Liam O’Hanna arriving in Oxford Street (Picture: PA) Kneecap have been at the centre of controversy (Picture: Reuters) O’Hanna who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, arrived in a silver Mercedes to a cheering crowd of fans after being charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah. The incident is alleged to have happened during a concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town in November last year. Police said O’Hanna displayed it ‘in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation.’ Just hours later, Kneecap announced on their Instagram account that ‘we are back’, adding that they would perform at the 100 Club tonight. The post also included a quote by former Sex Pistols vocalist John Lydon, who told ITV’s Good Morning Britain the rap trio ‘maybe (…) need a bloody good kneecapping’ after footage of them allegedly calling for the deaths of MPs emerged. Latest London news London Grassroots Music Tube map highlights city's 'crown jewels' Manhunt after multiple people stabbed at late-night party in London Campaigner wins court battle that could see Brockwell Park festivals cancelled To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro's London news hub. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ8fkwDs8F9/?img_index=1 In a statement issued this morning, the rappers responded to the charge, saying that ‘we are on the right side of history’, adding that ‘we will fight you in your court’ and ‘we will win’. They added: ‘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. ‘We deny this “offence” and will vehemently defend ourselves. ‘This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. ‘As they profit from genocide, they use an “anti-terror law” against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage.’ Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.