Liam Gallagher 'misinformed' over comments about Oasis fans, says Edinburgh council leader

The leader of Edinburgh Council has said Liam Gallagher was misinformed over comments made by council officers about Oasis fans.

The frontman made several references to the supposed jibes during the band’s sold-out shows at Murrayfield Stadium.

Prior to the gigs, it was reported that council bosses had described expectant crowds as “rowdy”, “middle-aged men” who “take up more room” and would drink to “medium to high intoxication”.

Liam Gallagher responded to the reports on stage on Tuesday, saying: “£3bn we’ve brought into this city over the past five days. And that’s between you and us. Three billion f****** quid.

“You won’t see f*** all, because they’ll rob it and spread it among their posh ugly mates.”

At Friday’s gig, the singer demanded an apology while calling the council “f***** slags”.

It is estimated that the band could bring in £150m to the economy, and analytics already show the concerts created a huge boost in footfall.

Speaking to STV News after the run of Scottish gigs wrapped up, council leader Jane Meagher said the comments were never made.

“I’m not surprised that Liam was angry based on what he read, but let’s be absolutely clear, these things were not said, and they were not said by council officers in any preparatory meeting that happened.

“I’m desperately keen to smooth things over.

“If anybody wants to check it out [the report], it’s available on the council website for all to find out.

“This came from one of the planning meetings and one of the considerations, for example, was levels of intoxication for maintaining public order.

“Nobody talked about drunk fans, nobody talked about that.”

Ms Meagher also added that, contrary to what the Oasis frontman claimed, the local authority would not see “much” of the money the events brought into the city.

She added: “It’s been a fantastically successful event and we’re very pleased about the effect it’s had on the city’s economy, which of course is fantastic.

“Sadly, not much of that, if not any, comes directly into the pocket of the council, but we’re really pleased that the city is thriving in the way that these sorts of events contribute to.”

Around 210,000 fans were expected to descend on the city across the three days with extra train, tram and bus services in place to accommodate gig-goers.

Only six arrests were made across the three dates, including three on Friday and another three on Tuesday.

The council leader added: “I’ve had reports of smooth running over the three nights. That’s not just about the meticulous planning, but is a tribute to the fans that they behaved incredibly well.

“Having experienced Oasis here and the excitement, I would absolutely love it if they come back to Edinburgh, and they would be extremely welcome.”