SN 2019bkc +3.1 d and +5.1 d spectra compared with a sample of SNe Ic (data from Patat et al. 2001; Filippenko et al. 1995; Foley et al. 2003; Modjaz et al. 2014). The comparison objects are shown at phases from 0 to +10 d after maximum light. There are similarities between SN 2019bkc and these objects, especially in the +5.1 d spectrum. Without our nebular spectra this transient could have been considered a peculiar type Ic. Also plotted is the rest-frame +5.1 d spectrum red-shifted 10 000 km s⁻¹ (grey). This now poorly matches the comparison SNe, especially in the regions redward of 7000 Å. It demonstrates that the earlier spectra are likely not affected by whatever process causes the velocity shifts in the nebular spectra and that a redshift significantly lower than z = 0.02 is incompatible.