A member of Irish rap group Kneecap appeared in a London court on Wednesday charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah, as hundreds of people gathered outside in support.

Fans of the Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap have mobbed sidewalks outside a London court as a member of the trio faced a terror-related charge in what he says is a politically motivated effort to silence the band’s support for Palestinians before its appearance at the Glastonbury Festival.

Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah.