Glastonbury Festival police statement after 'death chants' broadcast by BBC

Controversial comments made by artists at Glastonbury Festival's West Holts Stage are being scrutinised by Avon and Somerset Police. Following a punk rock duo's contentious chant of 'death to the IDF' during their Glastonbury set, the police have declared an investigation.

Bob Vylan incited festival-goers on Saturday afternoon (June 28) with cries of "free Palestine" during their performance, preceding the divisive Irish rap group Kneecap on the very same stage at Worthy Farm.

Bob Vylan's set, unlike Kneecap's which was eschewed by live broadcast, was transmitted to TV viewers, in which they initiated the contentious chant of "death to the IDF," provoking a furore across the internet.

Without naming specific acts, the local law enforcement stated this evening: "We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon. Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation."

The singing duo, Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, also endorsed Palestine visually during their act, reflecting a recurring theme at the festival. Multiple artists have vocalised "free, free Palestine" chants reverberating around the venue, yet Bob Vylan escalated their advocacy with a provocative new chant: "Death, death to the IDF.", reports Bristol Live.

The Israel Defence Forces, commonly known as the IDF, became a topic of heated debate on social media following a video from a recent performance. Supporters of both Palestine and Israel weighed in with their opinions in the comments section.

One individual praised the performer as a "top bloke," while another sharply criticised him, calling him a "prick".

A commenter noted: "Bob Vylan was all about this way before Kneecap...," but another dismissed it as "desperate" for artists to "pretend to care about Palestine to make themselves relevant".

Amidst the discussion, someone pointed out: "This is evidence of incitement to hatred and murders, is it not?".

A woman questioned the festival's direction, asking: "How did Glastonbury turn into a political stance? I thought this was a music festival? ? ?".

Another person expressed outrage, saying: "Bob Vylan at Glastonbury got the crowd to chant "death, death to the IDF". Adding "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Inshallah" at the end. Completely unacceptable. Underneath the inclusivity facade, Glastonbury has become a hate fest."

During their sets, Kneecap and Jade also voiced support for Palestinians, with numerous Palestine flags seen waving in the crowd as they performed.

After the afternoon show, the audience remained for Kneecap's set, which had been highly anticipated at the festival this year. The group played to what they described as their 'biggest crowd' on the West Holts Stage, eliciting cheers and chants from the enthusiastic spectators.

As the energy peaked, a mosh pit erupted, with the most fervent attendees diving in. Others began shouting provocative slogans, including "F**k Keir Starmer", alongside chants of "Free Palestine" and anti-media outbursts, with some yelling "F**k the Daily Mail".