In a statement, Singapore’s police said it had issued “stern warnings” to both men and said it views seriously acts that might “harm the racial and religious harmony” in Singapore or “undermine social cohesion”. “For our part, we did not imagine that merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries would violate any law. Singapore authorities led the investigation, which included consultation with the attorney general’s chambers, after Massive Attack allegedly breached the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and the Public Order Act. The statement said the band members would “also be banned from re-entering Singapore” while any future applications for them to perform there would not be approved. Del Naja was reportedly among 500 people arrested in April during a demonstration in London in support of Palestine Action.