Kneecap Say They’ve Been Banned From Advertising on The Tube
Kneecap Say They’ve Been Banned From Advertising on The Tube
Text: Izzy Copestake
Transport For London declined to answer our questions about whether the decision was influenced by Kneecap’s political messaging or any external pressure.
Kneecap say they have been “banned” from advertising their upcoming London show on the Underground, after Transport for London (TfL) rejected a poster featuring the group’s balaclava-style logo.
The poster was promoting a September 2025 performance at Wembley’s OVO Arena, and includes Kneecap’s well-known balaclava logo. TfL said the ad was refused because it “would likely cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public.”
While the group described the move as “petty political policing,” and said “After using the Tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue.” TfL insists its ad decisions are made on a “case-by-case basis.”
When contacted by District for further clarification, TfL reiterated its official statement saying: “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.”
However, TfL declined to answer our questions about whether the decision was influenced by Kneecap’s political messaging or any external pressure. It also did not define what constitutes “serious offence,” or how such judgments are made.
The London show will mark Kneecap’s return to the capital following their July appearance supporting Fontaines D.C. in Finsbury Park. Band member Mo Chara is currently facing a terrorism charge related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 London gig. He denies the charge and is due in court next month.
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