'British are back to insult our nation': Coldplay accused of disrespecting Indian flag during gig
Chris Martin, the lead singer of British band Coldplay, has been accused of “disrespecting” the Indian flag after the vocalist performed with the banner hooked into the back pocket of his jeans.
Coldplay, who were performing in front of 80,000 people for the Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai, played for one and a half hours, but the group’s frontman was accused by National Congress Party leader Nawab Malik of “insulting” India by tucking the flag in his back pocket.
#ChrisMartin & #BJP#ShivSena leaders should apologise to the Nation. Was he trying to use the # Flag as Lungi to do Lungi dance. @PTI_Newspic.twitter.com/fiSsBapPcV
— nawab malik (@nawabmalikncp) November 19, 2016
Malik demanded an apology from the singer, along with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to, and the Shiv Sena political party.
The #British are back again to insult our #nation and it's citizens. A highly condemnable act by #ChrisMartin & #Coldplay. @PTI_Newspic.twitter.com/IQmkcrNabV
— nawab malik (@nawabmalikncp) November 19, 2016
The crowd at the event, however, did not seem to have any problem with where the flag was positioned, with many praising the band for waving the Indian flag.
Flag being waved at Coldplay by Chris Martin.
— Renuka Jain (@RenukaJain6) November 20, 2016
Feeling of warmth. And people questioning international trips of Mr Modi #IamWithModipic.twitter.com/2tSZ2JyADj
That time @coldplay sang #SkyFullOfStars waving the Indian flag! @glblctznIN#globalcitizenindia#GlobalCitizenIndiaconcert@kingofclubsinpic.twitter.com/LhzOL1OtWu
— MissMalini (@MissMalini) November 20, 2016
Coldplay hasn't disrespected the Indian flag.
— Sapan Verma (@sapanv) November 20, 2016
NCP's Nawab Malik has disrespected logic.
Others were more astute to what was unfolding and predicted the hype.
Possibly, tomorrow's news - Coldplay disrespects India's National Flag !!! 🇮🇳#GlobalCitizenIndia#ColdPlay
— SANJAY BAFNA (@sanjaybafna) November 19, 2016
Tomorrow's news: Chris Martin tied the Indian flag to his bum. Ban Coldplay. #GCLonVh1
— Carolyn Fernandes (@Carohlinn) November 19, 2016
They may get in trouble for this. Probably an FIR is coming their way. #GCIOnVh1#Coldplay#GlobalCitizenIndiapic.twitter.com/2wRvEA34Yj
— Rohit Vats (@nawabjha) November 19, 2016
Coldplay thanked the audience for their hospitality but have yet to comment on the criticism.
India, thank you for one of the greatest nights of our lives @arrahman#MaaTujheSalaam#GlobalCitizenIndia@glblctznINpic.twitter.com/RAYEUKKT4p
— Coldplay (@coldplay) November 19, 2016