“But their stubborn refusal to engage with the many critics of their ill-advised concert in Tel Aviv suggests to me that they only want to hear one side – the one that supports apartheid.
“Radiohead should heed their friends who tell them that by performing in Tel Aviv they will undermine not only the struggle for human rights but also Radiohead’s own reputation”.
During a performance in Glasgow on Friday, the band was faced with Palestinian flags and boycott placards among the audience. Thom Yorke, Radiohead's lead singer, reportedly muttered “some f**king people” four times into the microphone, before he made a hand gesture signalling his contempt for the boycotters.
Mr Loach tweeted this Independent piece to Mr Yorke, saying they “need to decide if they stand with the oppressed or the oppressor. The choice is simple”.
In response, Mr Yorke tweeted: “Playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing its government.
“We’ve played in Israel over 20 years through a succession of governments, some more liberal than others. As we have in America.
“We don’t endorse Netanyahu any more than Trump, but we still play in America.
“Music, art and academia is about crossing borders not building them, about open minds not closed ones, about shared humanity, dialogue and freedom of expression. I hope that makes it clear, Ken”.
Mr Loach’s office has been contacted for comment.
