Sour notes as Eurovision hit by protest and scandal

EUROVISION was plunged into turmoil before it even started last night after being plagued by a series of controversies and a mass demonstration against Israel.

- Tony Whitfield

Police said about 5,000 people protested outside Sweden’s Malmo Arena, with one banner being held aloft saying “Welcome to the Genocide Song Contest”.

And Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg, 21, was among those removed by police during a demonstration outside the venue.

It came hours after Dutch rapper Joost Klein was kicked out as police investigated an allegation of intimidation made by a female member of the production crew.

Then Ireland’s entrant, Bambie Thug, missed their final dress rehearsal and lodged a complaint about Israeli broadcaster KAN’s coverage of their performance during Tuesday’s semi-final.

A commentator reportedly referred to the singer as speaking “negatively about Israel” and “prepare your curses”.

France’s entry Slimane, 34, then interrupted his own dress rehearsal and proclaimed the contest should be “united by music, yes, but for love, for peace” to the rapturous cheers of the audience.