KNEECAP have claimed they have been banned from advertising on the London Tube as a poster for their upcoming gig was rejected due to likely causing “widespread or serious offence”.
The Irish rap trio are playing the OVO Arena Wembley, in London, in September, but have claimed posters for their show have been refused by the city's tube operator.
Kneecap, who played to a sold-out show in Glasgow on Tuesday, have been at the centre of a media storm and political condemnation following an investigation by counter-terror police into band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh.
Rapper, O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence over the display of a flag in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig in November last year. He was released on unconditional bail last month.
In June, Avon and Somerset Police said they are assessing videos of comments made by the group during their Glastonbury set, where one of Kneecap’s members suggested fans “start a riot” outside his bandmate’s upcoming court appearance.
Kneecap have previously voiced their concerns that they are being targeted for speaking out against Israel and for advocating for Palestinian rights.
In a statement on social media, the group said they are being “silenced” after claiming their posters for their London show in September were rejected.
The statement read: “We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube.
“How petty can political policing and interference get...
“After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue.”
We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get... After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. The below poster has been rejected because: "it is likely to… pic.twitter.com/jx8gnqSdkF
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 10, 2025
It added that the poster was banned because: “It is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication.”
The band’s statement concluded saying: “Speak out against genocide and they'll use every single angle they can to silence you.
“Join the IOF, murder kids, fly to London and nothing happens - you'll be welcomed and applauded.”
Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative political lyrics in both Irish and English and their merchandise which includes the use of a balaclava.
During the band’s Glastonbury performance, they said: “They can try and silence us, they can try and stop us, but we’re not going to stop talking about Palestine.”
The comments are in reference to politicians who have called for the group to be deplatformed.
Keir Starmer said Kneecap playing at Glastonbury would "not be appropriate," along with Scotland's First Minister John Swinney also calling for them to be cut from the TRNSMT Festival lineup, which they later were.
A Transport for London spokesperson said: “All adverts submitted for display on our network are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
“Having given this very careful consideration, this advert was rejected as it was deemed that running it would likely cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public.”
