Scottish Secretary Criticizes Edinburgh Council for Classist Remarks About Oasis Fans

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has publicly criticized the City of Edinburgh Council for what he described as ‘snobby’ and ‘classist’ comments made during a safety briefing ahead of Oasis’s upcoming concerts at Murrayfield. The briefing, which took place during a safety advisory group meeting in October of the previous year, included remarks labeling Oasis fans as ‘rowdy,’ ‘intoxicated,’ and ‘middle-aged men’ who ‘take up more room.’ Murray, speaking at an Edinburgh Festival Fringe event, compared these comments to the alcohol ban at football matches, which he also characterized as snobby and classist, contrasting it with drinking culture at rugby games held at the same venue. He highlighted the inconsistency, noting that rugby fans are allowed to drink freely, while football fans face bans. The safety meeting involved multiple stakeholders including promoters DF Concerts, security firm G4S, Police Scotland, and transport providers. Promoters described the audience as ‘energetic and high-spirited’ with ‘medium to high intoxication.’ Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher also criticized the council’s attitude on social media. The gigs at Murrayfield mark Oasis’s first show in Edinburgh since 2009 and are part of their reunion tour. The council is currently run by a minority Labour administration supported by Scottish Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. The details of the council meeting became public following a freedom of information request.