DEFIANT Irish rap trio Kneecap have taunted John Swinney at a packed-out Glasgow gig after the First Minister said they should not perform at a festival.

The band had been due to play at the city’s TRNSMT festival this weekend, but were axed when Police Scotland warned their appearance could require a large police presence.

Police Scotland’s intervention came just days after Mr Swinney described their appearance at the festival as “unacceptable,” branding past comments from the band such as “the only good Tory is a dead Tory” and “kill your local MP” as “beyond the pale.”

Mr Swinney’s stance shadowed that of PM Sir Keir Starmer, who made similar intervention ahead of their appearance at Glastonbury after Liam O hAnnaidh — performing as Mo Chara — was charged with terrorist offences when footage emerged of him holding the flag of proscribed organisation Hezbollah.

Chara was later released on unconditional bail.

Kneecap hastily arranged Tuesday’s gig and sold out the O2 Academy in seconds.

Ahead of their performance, Kneecap took to social media to welcome the Palestine solidarity activists outside the venue, stating: “Hats off to the dozens of Palestine activists who’ve been here all day.

“Buzzing to play one of our favourite cities for a show that sold out in seconds.”

Once under way, however, thoughts turned to the First Minister, with Chara asking the audience: “What’s your First Minister’s name?

“They stopped us playing TRNSMT but they can’t stop us playing Glasgow.”

Responding to Kneecap’s mention, Mr Swinney seemed to backtrack, saying: “I think the most important thing at this moment is that we all focus on the issue that Kneecap are concerned about, which is the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

“I want to see a ceasefire implemented, I want to see humanitarian aid put into Gaza.”