Kneecap advert 'banned' on London Tube network

Belfast rap trio Kneecap have said they are "banned" from advertising one of their posters on the London Underground.

The group have been in the headlines since one of their members was accused of allegedly supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. He has denied the charge.

On Thursday, in a social media post, they said: "We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube."

Transport for London (TfL) said it approves adverts on a "case-by-case basis" and deemed the Kneecap poster, showing their frequently used logo depicting a balaclava to promote a September concert, would "would likely cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public".

The poster shows their logo, based on the balaclavas worn by paramilitaries during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and reads: "Kneecap. OVO Arena Wembley, London. Thurs 18th September '25."

BBC News understands it is the specific poster that has been rejected and not a total ban on Kneecap advertising.

The balaclava-style logo has been used previously on the TfL network, though in a much smaller size, in promotional adverts for the band's summer 2024 movie.

A TfL spokesperson offered no further comment when asked about this.

In a statement, the group said: "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."

This performance will be their first in the capital since they supported Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC at a sold out performance in Finsbury Park on 5 July.

In May, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024.

He is due in court next month.

The group performed at Glasgow's 02 on Tuesday, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds.

They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow this weekend, but their set was axed after concerns raised by police.

The musicians have repeatedly spoken out against the war in Gaza and performed to a sea of Palestinian flags during their set at Glastonbury Festival in June.

The trio followed punk duo Bob Vylan on the West Holts stage, and both acts are being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police for comments made on stage.

TfL's 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."