Ed Sheeran's fans back singer after controversy over Macklemore, Palestinians

Ed Sheeran performs for first time since Macklemore was removed from US tour Fans attending Saturday's concert said they still support Sheeran Macklemore said saying 'Free Palestine' was worthwhile even if it cost him performances Other opening acts for Sheeran have quit in solidarity with Macklemore By Aleksandra Michalska and Nolan D. McCaskill PHILADELPHIA, Sept 19 (Reuters) — Ed Sheeran fans attending the pop star's Philadelphia concert on Saturday said they still support the English singer-songwriter despite a controversy over Macklemore being pulled from the tour over his remarks on Palestine. Addressing the issue from the stage, Sheeran told the crowd he had made "mistakes" during "difficult decisions," according to the BBC. "I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet," he said, according to the British broadcaster. Sheeran's show at Lincoln Financial Field marked his first performance since rapper Macklemore announced he had been removed as one of the tour's opening acts after saying "Free Palestine" at a show early this month. The t