The Stereophonics have come under fire after they went ahead with a packed gig despite fears over coronavirus .
The Welsh rock band performed to a huge audience in Cardiff on Saturday night as part of their Kind 2020 tour.
Photos and video from the concert were shared on Twitter showing thousands of fans packed together.
The band themselves posted images of the crowd with the comment “Cardiff is rockin’!”.
But many people on the social network hit out at the band and called them irresponsible for going ahead with the gig at a time when other major events were being cancelled in an effort to combat the covid-19 coronavirus.
(Image: WireImage)
One user said: “This is so selfish, the people in the audience here are unlikely to be in high risk groups (they’re younger), but they could spread it to older friends, relatives and co-workers.”
Another wrote: “I’m from Italy. We can’t leave home, 2000 people have died and it’s just the beginning. Seeing such recklessness is astonishing. Good luck friends.”
A third posted: “Why this wasn’t cancelled is beyond me. Extraordinarily irresponsible.”
Despite the outcry, a number of fans rallied to the band and praised them for going ahead with the gig.
One said: “So glad that this went ahead! Despite all the comments from people stating it shouldn’t have, everyone who went clearly wanted to be there!”
Another wrote: “Don’t have a go at the phonics. If the government is not closing schools, gyms, the public transport system, or borders, why cancel a gig?
“People are far more likely to go to school or work if they feel ill than to socialise or go to concerts in my experience.”
The band are currently in the middle of a UK and Europe tour and according to their website are scheduled to appear in London, Switzerland, Holland and Ireland.
Mirror Online has contacted the band’s management for comment.
When questioned by Wales Online about the gig, the band’s management declined to comment and directed them to the venue and local authority.
On its website, Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, where the gig was held, said in relation to coronavirus: “At this time, all shows and events are going ahead as planned.
“Please be assured that the safety and health of all staff and visitors, is our main priority and we are implementing recommendations and instructions appropriately.
“We are closely monitoring official guidance from the World Health Organisation, Publiuc Health Wales, UK Government and local public health authorities and are working with event promoters and organisers as information evolves.”
