Irish rap group, Kneecap has had an advert for its next London gig, which was due to be displayed on the tube network, banned by TfL.
The band had applied to place its poster on selected trains, displaying its logo – the outline of the distinctive balaclava worn by one of its members – along with the details of the concert, which is set for September 18 at the OVO Arena Wembley.
However, the capital’s transport authority rejected the application, saying that the advert would “likely cause widespread or serious offence” to the public.
The decision comes in the wake of band member Mo Chara, real name Liam O’Hanna, was charged with a terror offence in May after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a gig in London last year.
Chara is due in court next month for an interim hearing following an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
Kneecap has denied that any offence was committed and claimed that the charge is part of a concerted effort by “the establishment” to “silence” its members’ vocal pro-Palestine activism.
Responding to the TfL ruling, the band posted online: "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."
A TfL 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."
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.