Archive June 25, 2025

Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance won’t be broadcast live on BBC after calls to pull act

After Mo Chara was subjected to a counter-terrorism police investigation for supporting Palestine, the outspoken Irish language group Kneecap has gained media attention for its most recent court case.

Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance ‘won’t be broadcast live on BBC’ after calls to pull performance(Image: Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

Irish rap group Kneecap are ‘not likely’ to have their upcoming Glastonbury performance shown on the BBC, following controversy over band member Mo Chara’s court case this week. Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024.

On June 18, the 27-year-old faced Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where Paul Weller and other musicians gathered outside. The incident occurred following the band’s O2 Forum performance in Kentish Town, London.

However Kneecap branded the case against their bandmate as a “witch hunt” in a post on X after they were investigated by counter-terrorism police in May for videos allegedly showing Liam saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”. Meanwhile, hundreds of protestors held placards reading “Free Mo Chara”, and “Defend Kneecap,” while respected musicians showed public support for the band.

The rapper’s performance at Glastonbury was under scrutiny as well, but the show will continue as planned ahead of this weekend’s festival due to the rapper’s bail later in the summer. He told fans in Westminster that he would visit Glastonbury on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Irish language group Kneecap have been demonised for supporting Palestine
Irish language group Kneecap are due to perform at Glastonbury this weekend(Image: Redferns)

If anyone watches the BBC, you can watch it on the BBC. In September, we’ll be at Wembley. But most importantly, Palestine is free and free.

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Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer has waded into the situation, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. When asked by the Sun whether the band should play the festival, he replied: “No, I don’t.

“I believe we must come down on this very clearly,” he said. Because there is a court case ongoing, I won’t say too much, but I don’t believe that’s appropriate.

However, they are still scheduled to perform on Saturday at the West Holts stage, but neither the BBC’s listings nor their schedules indicate that they will be there. Just before the broadcast is scheduled to begin, BBC Two will begin airing Glastonbury coverage at 5 p.m., with Kneecap scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Although iPlayer coverage is available throughout, with highlights shown each day in the evenings on BBC One – the band are also not listed for either platform. The BBC’s schedule is finalised and can be changed up nto and even during the festival, but so far, there is no sign of Kneecap.

A BBC spokesperson told Yahoo UK: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival.”

In an open letter, campaign group Love Music Hate Racism, Primal Scream, and Toddla T, the wife of former Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, criticized their upcoming performance. More than 30 “music industry individuals” are alleged to have signed the plea, which calls for Kneecap’s Glasto appearance to be canceled.

Johnny Marr, a member of The Smiths, added to the group’s growing support base before the court date, which is scheduled for August. The legendary guitarist called for an “end to the atrocities and a free Palestine” in a statement posted on social media. He praised musicians who “use their platform to speak out against injustice.”

He capped his passionate letter with “Oppression fears artistic expression.” I respect all musicians who use their platforms to protest injustice, advocate for equality, and empower the oppressed. I join my fellow musicians and my audience in calling for a free Palestine and an immediate end to the atrocities. “Johnny Marr”

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EFL fixtures to be released on Thursday

Rex Features

The fixtures for the 2025-26 English Football League season will be released at 12:00 BST on Thursday.

Relegated Premier League sides Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester will be joined in the Championship by promoted Birmingham, Charlton and Wrexham, who return to the second tier for the first time in more than 40 years after three straight promotions.

In League One, Cardiff and Plymouth will be looking to secure an immediate return to the second tier along with Luton, who suffered their second consecutive relegation to come down with them on a dramatic final day.

In League Two, Barnet and Oldham will be making their EFL return after winning promotion from the National League last season.

All fixtures will be on the BBC Sport website and app as soon as they are announced.

When does the EFL season start?

The start to the new EFL season will be split over the weekends of 1-3 August for League One and League Two and 8-10 August in the Championship.

The scheduled 46 rounds of Championship matches will take place across 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four bank holidays.

Leagues One and Two matches will be played over 33 weekends, five midweeks and eight bank holidays and international break dates.

What to look out for

Can relegated Premier League sides bounce back?

For the second year in a row, last season saw the three teams who had been promoted from the Championship all relegated straight back. Before 2023-24 that had not happened since Barnsley, Bolton and Crystal Palace all immediately went down in 1997-98.

It’s a new era in the dugout at Southampton, where Will Still takes over, while Kieran McKenna remains in charge at Ipswich, as does Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester, for now.

After narrowly missing out on an instant return to the Premier League, courtesy of a dramatic play-off final defeat by Sunderland, Sheffield United have parted ways with Chris Wilder and brought in Ruben Selles to lead their charge for promotion.

High hopes at promoted sides

Birmingham, Wrexham and Charlton might have differing ambitions after being promoted to the second tier.

Blues and the Red Dragons might be dreaming of emulating Ipswich – whom they will face in the Championship this season – in following promotion from League One with an instant ascent to the Premier League the following season.

In their first season in the second tier since 1982, Phil Parkinson’s men are seeking a fourth successive promotion, though Charlton, who return to the division after five years away, and boss Nathan Jones’ first target is likely to be survival.

Cardiff won’t enjoy being Wales’ third-ranked EFL side and will have their sights on an instant return to the Championship, along with Luton and Plymouth, who now have Tom Cleverley in charge.

Barnet and Oldham return to League Two after seven and three years away, respectively, following their promotion from the National League.

New faces

It’s been all change in the dugout since the end of the season, especially in the Championship.

After losing the play-off final, Sheffield United chose to replace Wilder with Selles, who had been sacked by Hull despite guiding the Tigers to safety.

Sergej Jakirovic has been installed as boss at the MKM Stadium, while after play-off semi-final disappointment, Bristol City boss Liam Manning opted to fill the vacancy at home town club Norwich, with Gerhard Struber replacing him at Ashton Gate.

Still’s first job in England is at Southampton, while Ryan Mason’s first permanent managerial job comes at West Bromwich Albion.

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Michelle Keegan joins Padel trend with powerful racket that is ‘ideal for female players’

You can purchase Michelle Keegan’s exact racket, which has been hailed as “ideal” for female players, from a long line of celebrities who have become obsessed with the hottest sport, Padel.

Michelle Keegan joins Padel trend with powerful racket that is ‘ideal for women’(Image: Michelle Keegan/Instagram)

David Beckham, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and Eva Longoria are just a few names of celebrities who have become addicted to this new sport, Padel, which has taken Britain by storm. And Michelle Keegan has just joined the club after spending the weekend getting stuck in with her vibrant Babolat racket. And if you’re considering dipping your toe into the world of Padel, you can buy Michelle’s exact Padel accessory on Amazon.

This 26-piece strimmer set is now 30% less expensive than it once would be for gardening this summer.

READ MORE: Glastonbury attendees shocked by the festival’s ban on well-known makeup items. Here’s what to wear instead.

Michelle Keegan's Instagram post
Michelle Keegan took to Instagram to show fans her new Padel racket(Image: Michelle Keegan/Instagram)

Michelle used this vibrant yellow and green Babolat Counter Vertuo Padel Racket, which is sure to draw attention to both the court and the game, as seen in her social media posts. This racket, which retails for $96.49, is a light, manageable padel racket for players and was created to work against counter-attacking strategies.

This racket has a low balance and a hybrid shape, which makes it a great choice for beginners to intermediate players like Michelle, as well as soft materials that promise comfortable and easily controllable shots. The ball bounces more effectively with less speed and with quality in receptions thanks to the elastic, soft, and flexible materials. This racket, which has a comfortable and enjoyable hit and good outlets, makes it simpler to counterattack your foe with materials that don’t require you to put all of your might into each hit.

Carbon is used to make the sides of this racket, and the frame is carbon. The 350 grams of Black EVA rubber at its core makes it lighter and easier to control, making it better able to withstand the blows your opponent will give you. Every shot is shot with precision by the racket.

Michelle’s racket can also be changed or changed, or a different color and design can be put on top. Padel rackets are designed with a particular die to maximize the power and spin of each shot by increasing the weight of each racket. Additionally, the bridge’s combination of carbon and elastomer helps to provide better player sensations while playing and is more vibration resistant.

The power is good, very simple to adapt, and the weight is ideal for women, according to one shopper who purchased Michelle’s racket.

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Another person writes, “It comes alone, without any additional boxes, but I suppose that’s the least.” The blade feels powerful in addition to being controlled. I really enjoyed it a lot. It’s absolutely worth it, I think.

Aarons wants to bring ‘new energy’ to Rangers

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Defender Max Aarons hopes to “bring a new energy” after joining Rangers on loan from Bournemouth for the 2025-26 season.

The 25-year-old right-back has become Russell Martin’s first signing at Ibrox despite reported interest from the Premier League and Championship.

Aarons, who played for England at under-21 level, will challenge Rangers captain James Tavernier for a starting place in the absence of the injured Dujon Sterling.

“I can’t wait to get going”, said the Londoner, who spent the latter part of last season in La Liga with Valencia.

“I’ve got a lot of experience in different leagues and I have played a lot of games.

Who is Aarons?

Aarons joined Bournemouth from Norwich City in 2023 in a deal reported to be worth £7m, and ended last season on a six-month loan to Valencia.

He made four appearances for the side who finished 12th in La Liga and the Spanish club decided against taking up an option to buy.

Bournemouth rejected a £6m offer from Southampton for the defender when new Rangers head coach Martin was head coach at St Mary’s last July.

By then, Aarons had made 23 appearances – 15 of them starts – in his first season with Bournemouth. But last season he played only four times – two from the bench.

” Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player, “Martin said.

Have your say

Rangers fans, what do you think of the signing of Aarons?

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Armenia arrests prominent archbishop over alleged coup plot

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says security officials have thwarted a coup plot involving a leading cleric from Armenia’s national church.

The arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the opposition movement Holy Struggle, on Wednesday marks a sharp escalation in Pashinyan’s standoff with the leadership of the powerful Apostolic Church.

The church’s leader, Catholicos Garegin II, has called for Pashinyan’s resignation after Armenia lost a war to Azerbaijan in 2020, while Galstanyan, the primate of the Diocese of Tavush, led mass protests last year, aiming to unseat the prime minister, channelling widespread public anger over military defeats and territorial concessions to Azerbaijan.

“Law enforcement officers prevented a large and sinister plan by the ‘criminal-oligarchic clergy’ to destabilize the Republic of Armenia and seize power,” Pashinyan wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, sharing a statement by Armenia’s Investigative Committee.

The committee said it had filed criminal charges against Galstanyan and 15 others, who they said had “acquired the means and tools necessary to commit a terrorist attack and seize power”.

A total of 14 people had been arrested, investigators said, without naming them.

The committee’s statement claimed that Galstanyan — who has previously expressed his desire to replace Pashinyan as prime minister, although he is unable to hold office due to being a dual Armenian-Canadian citizen — sought to overthrow the government with the help of his supporters.

It said the group had recruited about 1,000 people, mainly former soldiers and police officers, and divided them into strike groups, assigning each a task to destabilise the country, by blocking roads, inciting violence or blocking the internet.

It claimed that the group had acquired weapons, explosives, and other dangerous materials in preparation for the plot.

It said searches were under way at the homes of Galstanyan and about 30 of his associates.

The committee also published audio recordings purporting to reveal Galstanyan and others discussing plans for the alleged coup plot.

‘We are coming’

News.am, an Armenian news website, published footage of Galstanyan being taken from his house into a car by masked police officers, and driven away.

“Evil, listen carefully – whatever you do, you have very little time left. Hold on, we are coming,” he said, in an apparent reference to Pashinyan, as a crowd outside shouted “Nikol is a traitor”, the AFP news agency reported.

A lawmaker close to Galstanyan, Garnik Danielyan, said the raids were “actions of a dictatorial regime” and said the accusations against the archbishop were fabricated, AFP reported.

Wednesday’s developments follow the arrest of another prominent government opponent earlier this month, when Russian-Armenian real estate billionaire Samvel Karapetyan was detained on accusations of making public calls to usurp power, the Reuters news agency reported.

Divided nation

Armenia’s humiliating military defeat by Azerbaijan, resulting in the 2023 loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, a separatist enclave in Azerbaijan, has left bitter divisions in Armenia, notably between Pashinyan and the Apostolic Church.

Earlier this month, Pashinyan unsuccessfully attempted to oust Garegin II as the head of the church, calling on the faithful to elect a new spiritual leader to “liberate” the church, AFP reported.

Inside Glastonbury’s most luxurious £29k tipi complete with helicopters and IV infusions

Those who don’t want to camp in the mud with the peasants can spend a meager thirty dollars for five nights at the festival’s luxurious glamping location, Pop-Up Hotel, with the festival starting today.

Inside Glastonbury’s poshest £28,999 tipi complete with helicopters and IV infusions(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

Glastonbury-goers with cash to burn can swerve the muddy delights of the camping fields in favour of a luxury glamping site a stone’s throw away from the festival itself. The Pop-Up Hotel offers everything from helicopter arrivals to IV infusions, all to give VIPs the star treatment as they enjoy everything Worthy Farm has to offer.

The upscale accommodations provide their guests with the “perfect balance of relaxing rejuvenation to all the summer festival excitement.” The hotel offers “luxurious upgrades and expertly curated wellness experiences” to ensure guests experience “precision like never before.”

The Pop-Up Hotel claims that “roughing it” is a thing of the past because it offers suites with private bathrooms and all rooms with real beds and power outlets for charging phones.

With free parking, personal concierge and customer service teams, luggage and buggy transportation, 24-hour private security, and easy check-in, it goes on. The Pop-Up Hotel will feature two exclusive VIP seating areas, each with its own distinctive bold aesthetic, all set in a field that is only a 10-minute walk from Gate D.

The 30 grand glamping experience offers all the luxury of being in a hotel
The £29,000 glamping experience offers all the luxury of being in a hotel(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

No more lugging around trailers full of crates and heavy tents, guests can fly in to the hotel using Slick Travel’s Heli-Hop service. Avoiding the traffic, of which there is plenty, and long queues, Pop-Up Hotel guests can “fly into Glastonbury like rock royalty”.

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Additionally, Pop-Up Hotel guests will receive a chic glass of chilled Champagne Piaff in place of the customary can of warm Strongbow as the tent goes up. The organisers claim that they can then laze around the venue’s private pool and watch as they soak up guest musicians’ DJ sets and covert performances.

Many festivalgoers are concerned about personal hygiene, but the Pop-Up Hotel guests won’t have to deal with the smell of the long-drops. Glampers will have access to private bathrooms instead of long lines for cold showers, and there isn’t a single wet wipe to be seen. The bathrooms are made of sustainable materials from Wild.

Pop-Up Hotel guests can take a refreshing dip in the pool
Pop-Up Hotel guests can take a refreshing dip in the pool(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

In fact, Glasto guests won’t just be looking really radiant, which is a big ask in itself. Guest will be provided with “complimentary tools and products, private cubicle hot showers 24 hours a day, and proper flushing loos” in the salon’s “plains.”

Sephora make-up artists will be present to give the experience some sparkle by providing “festival-themed makeup services and hair treatments.” Those who prefer to do their own things can also use Sephora products in the self-serve salon.

Although guests may have a little more money than the average person, they are still human. They can simply inject wellness into their veins using bespoke IV infusions if they have a little too much and end up feeling a little worse for wear.

Glampers won't go without at the Pop-Up Hotel
Glampers won’t go without at the Pop-Up Hotel(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

The Wellness Space is described as “a cutting-edge spa experience with contrast therapies, saunas, and ice baths combined with breathwork, yoga, and wellness experiences curated by The Pop-Up Hotel’s Heads of Wellbeing: Experts Richie Norton and Rob &amp, Josie da Bank.

Body Brilliant offers bespoke treatments to revitalize festival weary bodies, ranging from vitamin booster drops to bespoke IV infusions and compression therapies.

For truly magical experiences that relax the mind and hydrate the skin, Homewood House Hotel Massage will be on hand to offer “advanct therapeutic techniques, nature’s finest botanicals, and science-led complexes, along with signature touches.”

For a bit of a boost, forget the Red Bull, coffee will be provided by the Hotel’s caffeine partner Lavazza, who will be brewing authentic Italian coffee and cocktails. The brand will also be operating a bar, restaurant and courtyard Kitchen & The Deli.

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