U2's mega fuel-guzzling worldwide tour may be in jeopardy after protesters delayed the removal of the band's custom-made stage in Ireland.

Bono and friends finished the last of three homecoming gigs at Dublin's Croke Park stadium last night, but the stage crew were unbable to dismantle and transport the sound and video equipment after local residents picketed outside the stadium and blocked the entrance.

Although it is tempting to believe they acted out of the interests of musical justice, they were actually demonstrating against Dublin City Council's decision to give stadium owners and promoters permission to work through the night when they had already suffered three nights of Edge's wishy-washy guitar, Bono's wooly imagery and, undoubtedly, some political lecturing.

There are now fears that U2 will not have the equipment ready in time for the next two dates in Sweden, with tour director Craig Evans admitting: "It will be tight."