Ed Sheeran’s concerts in Massachusetts on Friday and Saturday have been cancelled because of severe weather warnings in the area.

The singer had been scheduled to perform two shows at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston, as part of his current US tour.

The tour has been in the headlines because of a row over a decision to drop Sheeran’s support act Macklemore for making pro-Palestinian comments on stage. Stadium owners including the Gillette Stadium’s Robert Kraft lobbied for his removal.

A statement from the venue, external said: “Due to the severe weather warnings in place in Boston and across New England throughout the weekend and following consultation with local officials, the promoter and tour have made the difficult decision to cancel the Ed Sheeran concerts at Gillette Stadium.”

It added: “The decision was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as the top priority.

“Refunds are available now at the point of purchase. Ticketholders who purchased through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded.”