Ed Sheeran took to the stage alone after his backing band and opening acts boycotted his concert, following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour over pro-Palestinian remarks made on stage.

Before the show, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the stadium to express solidarity with Macklemore.

Sheeran addressed the crowd directly, acknowledging he had made mistakes.

"I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division," Sheeran said. "But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore."

The British singer performed without his usual backing musicians, who had refused to appear in protest at Macklemore's removal from the tour.