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Liam Gallagher has criticised Edinburgh council bosses after Oasis fans attending three sellout concerts at Murrayfield Stadium were described as mainly “rowdy” “middle-aged men” who “take up more room” and would drink to “medium to high intoxication”.
The Scottish Sun said it had obtained safety briefing documents through freedom of information requests, before the reunion gigs on 8, 9 and 12 August.
In them, officials expressed concern that the 210,000 fans posed a risk to the Edinburgh festival fringe, which is expected to attract more than 3 million visitors to Scotland’s capital between 1 and 25 August, the paper said.
Gallagher responded on social media, posting on X: To the Edinburgh council I’ve heard what you said about OASIS fans and quite frankly your attitude fucking stinks I’d leave town that day if I was any of you lot.
“I’d love to see a picture of all the people on the Edinburgh council bet there’s some real STUNING [sic] individuals.”
The advisory group is understood to be made up of organisers, emergency services and transport leaders to ensure safety at the events.
The paper said planning briefings it had obtained revealed the Oasis gigs had left authorities “concerned about the safety of the Fringe and its many performers”.
The briefings said they expected “medium to high intoxication” and a “substantial amount of older fans”, there was “concern about crowds” as they were “already rowdy”, and they had fears about the “tone of the band”.
Apparently taking aim at the weight of fans, they also warned: “Middle-aged men take up more room. Consider this when working out occupancy.”
David Walker, of the Oasis Collectors Group, reportedly said: “To call fans drunk, middle-aged, and fat is a nasty, sneering stereotype, it’s a jaundiced view.”
Margaret Graham, the council’s culture and communities convener, told the paper: “We’re very proud to host the biggest and best events in Edinburgh throughout the year, which bring in hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy and provide unparalleled entertainment for our residents and visitors.
“As with any major event which takes place in the city, we prepare extensively alongside our partners to ensure the safety and best possible experience of everyone involved – and Oasis are no different.”
She added: “We’re all looking forward to seeing Oasis take to the stage this August and I’m sure that they’ll ‘live forever’ as some of the most memorable concerts ever performed at Murrayfield.”
