Pro-Palestine protesters clashed with police outside the Malmo Arena in Sweden as tensions reached boiling point ahead of the most chaotic Eurovision Song Contest in history.

Dozens of protesters locked arms and lay on the ground outside the venue draped in Palestine flags – and struggled with Swedish riot police who tried to remove them.

Ticket-holders queued nearby decked out in colourful costumes and tinsel as protestors screamed ‘Shame on you’ before attempting to storm through barriers to get closer to the arena, prompting riot police to form a cordon.

The chaotic scenes come amid the withdrawal of two points announcers, the expulsion of a finalist over an alleged altercation with a camerawoman and several performers missing rehearsals in the most chaotic contest since it began in 1956.

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has now said it will not hand out points on behalf of its jury following the removal of Joost Klein from the competition. 

The scenes in Malmo, witnessed by a Mail reporter, saw a large mob of protesters attempt to storm through barriers to get into the arena, leading to riot police rushing in and forming a cordon around the entrances.

Officers then pushed back against the protestors, who attempted to fight their way past them as they screaming pro-Palestinian slogans while loudspeakers played a series of Eurovision hits.​

Greta Thunberg, who had appeared at earlier protests and accused Israel of ‘artwashing’ itself with the contest, was also present at Saturday night’s action. She refused to speak to a Mail reporter. 

Police pushed protestors away from the arena entrance but dozens more returned, locking arms and sitting on the ground.

Other protestors waved Palestinian flags at ticket holders as they waited to enter the arena screaming ‘Free, free Palestine’.

A police helicopter hovered overhead as reinforcements in riot gear rushed to control the protest, with pepper spray being deployed.

Some protesters were seen wincing on the ground as others gave them water, seemingly after pepper spray had been used on them. 

Eurovision fans appeared terrified as they queued to enter the arena with many protestors angrily confronting them. 

One woman carrying an Israel flag was shouted at with the crowd screaming ‘shame on you.’

As tensions heightened, police kettled many of the protesters, attempting to keep them away from the main entrance. But they struggled to control the crowd as others arrived to join the protest.

Some of those joining the protests were seen being carted away from the scene by police – with several people wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves. MailOnline has contacted the Swedish Police Authority for comment.

Around 1,000 pro Palestine protesters descended on the Malmo Arena demanding Israel’s expulsion from the competition in the most contentious edition of the otherwise camp and jubilant singing competition to date. 

But a defiant Eden Golan took to the stage holding the Israeli flag high as she entered during the flag parade at the start of tonight’s final – followed by the UK’s Olly Alexander, who held a huge Union flag aloft.

The spokesperson for Eurovision Song Contest’s Finnish jury, runner up Kaarija, stepped down from the role, as announcing the points ‘does not feel right’.

Posting on his Instagram story, Kaarija, last year’s runner-up of the competition, wrote: ‘I have decided not to participate as the spokesperson for the Finnish jury in tonight’s Eurovision finale. Giving out the points does not feel right.’

He was replaced at short notice by radio journalist Toni Laaksonen, Finnish broadcaster YLE said. It came after he asked for a video of himself dancing with Israel’s Eden Golan to be removed from social media.

Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug missed their final dress rehearsal after they said a ‘situation’ required ‘urgent attention’ from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – later saying they had filed complaints regarding Israel’s commentator at the event.

They wrote in an Instagram story: ‘I have raised multiple complaints to the EBU regarding instances I have experienced this week.

‘Earlier today they confirmed to my delegation in front of others that KAN’s commentator had broken the rules of conduct during the Eurovision semi-final.

‘I have been patiently waiting to hear what action is set to be taken by the EBU following this rule break. I have since seen a statement by EBU director general Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation.

‘I am still waiting for an official update from the EBU.’

In response, a spokesperson for the Israeli broadcaster Kan told the PA news agency: ‘We wish everyone the best of luck tonight.’ 

Earlier today Dutch contender Joost Klein was axed from the contest after being quizzed by police over an incident involving ‘a female member of the production crew’. 

A statement from Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has since called the decision ‘not proportional’ as they said they were ‘very disappointed and upset’ by his exclusion.

And the broadcaster has since said it will not hand out points on behalf of the Dutch jury in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

The broadcaster wrote: ‘Now that Avrotros is no longer part of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, we do not feel the need to hand out the points of the Dutch jury.

‘In consultation with Nikkie de Jager, who would act as our spokesperson tonight, we decided not to do it. Just like Nikkie, we imagined this evening very differently.’

Eurovision bosses told MailOnline ‘AVROTROS’ version of events does not correspond with the statements shared with us and with police’.

Their spokesperson added: ‘We have a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our events and our priority is to secure a safe working environment for all staff working on this year’s Song Contest.’ 

France’s entry Slimane interrupted his own performance to say the contest should be: ‘United by music, yes, but for love, for peace’ to the rapturous cheers of the audience.

Eurovision has since confirmed that they knew he wanted to speak during his act, saying he wanted to send a ‘message of love’ – podcast The Euro Trip has reported.

On their Instagram story, Bambie Thug wrote: ‘Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.

‘This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me. I hope to see you on the stage tonight.’

Irish broadcaster RTE has reported that the singer called on organisers to address commentary made on Israeli television before their performance in Tuesday’s semi-final. 

They told the publication: ‘I’m angry with other teams breaching their rules of the EBU, and still being allowed in.

‘So there’s definitely a war drum sounding in my heart to push the performance even more than I have done before.’

Bambie has been critical of Israel competing in the contest and has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

The official page of the Netherlands’ Songfestival, which sends acts to Eurovision, said it is ‘shocked’ by Joost Klein being cut from Eurovision and finds the decision ‘disproportionate’. 

Entering with the song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents, the 26-year-old rapper and singer from the Netherlands had qualified for the grand final on Thursday evening. 

But a spokeswoman for the Swedish Police Authority said: ‘A man is suspected of unlawful threats. The crime is said to have been committed at Malmo Arena on Thursday evening.

‘The man is questioned by the police but not detained. The plaintiff is an employee at Eurovision.

‘The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff and witnesses. The investigation has been completed by the police.

‘The case follows the normal legal process. The police have used faster prosecution and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.’

A statement from the Netherlands’ Songfestival X page said Dutch radio and television broadcaster AVROTROS found Joost Klein’s disqualification by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ‘disproportionate’ and said it was ‘very disappointed’.

In a statement said: ‘An incident occurred after last Thursday’s performance. Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom.

‘At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected. This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the camerawoman.

‘This incident was reported, followed by an investigation by the EBU and police. Yesterday and today we consulted extensively with the EBU and proposed several solutions.

‘Nevertheless, the EBU has still decided to disqualify Joost Klein. AVROTROS finds the penalty very heavy and disproportionate.

‘We stand for good manners – let there be no misunderstanding about that – but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportional to this incident.

‘We are very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were so excited for tonight. What Joost brought to the Netherlands and Europe shouldn’t have ended this way.’

His participation was already in doubt after he failed to perform at two dress rehearsals on Friday, with Swedish police later announcing it was investigating the singer.

But Netherlands fans will still be able to vote in the contest – despite their entrant being disqualified.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Saturday that Klein would no longer be competing just hours before the final is set to take place. 

 

A statement from the EBU said: ‘The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

‘Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.

‘While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.

‘We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.

‘We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.

‘In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.

‘The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.’

The Dutch singer was one of the bookies’ favourites to win the contest with his playful pop-rap song Europapa which mixes tunes of pop with happy hardcore and was described by one critic as being ‘so bad’ it will ‘put you off music forever’. 

Klein, who lost his parents at a young age, said the song is about an orphan who travels around Europe trying to find himself, as his father taught him to believe in a Europe without borders. 

France’s entry Slimane has also brought drama to the Eurovision stage after he halted his own performance to say the contest should be: ‘United by music, yes, but for love, for peace’ to the rapturous cheers of the audience.

Eurovision has since confirmed that they knew he wanted to speak during his act, saying he wanted to send a ‘message of love’ – podcast The Euro Trip has reported.

In a speech whose wording was confirmed to Sky News, he told the crowd: ‘Everybody! I just need to say something…

‘Sorry I don’t speak English very well but when I was a child I dreamed about music.

‘I dreamed about this dream, to be a singer and to sing peace… here. Every artist here want[s] to sing about love and sing about peace.

‘We need to be united by music, yes, but with love for peace. United by music yes, but with love for peace. Thank you so much. Thank you Europe.’

 

There is a heavy police presence in Malmö as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters descended on the Swedish city to called from Golan to be expelled from the competition. 

Golan has become a lightning rod for criticism from protesters who have demanded she be excluded from the competition, while others have called for a boycott of the famous song contest and a ceasefire in the seven-month war in Gaza.

Demonstrators waved Palestine flags and shouted ‘stop the genocide’ and ‘no to Eurovision genocide’ while others held up photographs of children killed in Gaza.

One protestor was dressed as a Hamas fighter in combat fatigue but Swedish police refused to take any action as they looked on.

With tensions running high in the city, it has emerged that Israel’s entrant Eden Golan is being guarded by armed officers from Sweden’s security service and Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency.

The officers accompanied her into the Malmö Arena, where tonight’s final takes place and have also been with her in the hotel where she is staying with other members of Israel’s Eurovision delegation.

The 20-year-old contestant has also been preparing for a fiery reception herself as she was filmed rehearsing her power ballad Hurricane while other members of her team try to throw her off with loud boos and pro-Palestinian chants. 

Around 5,000 protestors assembled in a central square in Malmö with around 100 police on duty for the ‘Stop Israel’ demonstration.

Armed police officers have been stationed outside of the Clarion Hotel in Malmo, where contestants taking part in tonight’s finale have been staying during the competition. 

Singers have already been seen exiting the hotel, surrounded by officers and journalists as they head to the contest venue in the heart of the city where they will later perform in front of thousands of viewers across the globe. 

It comes as protesters will again take to the streets in Sweden’s third-largest city, which has a large Muslim population, later today to show their outrage over the decision to allow Golan to take part in the famous song contest.

It will be the second protest to take place this week after as many as 5,000 people took to the city’s streets on Thursday. 

During the demonstrations, smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag were set off and protesters carried signs displaying images of Gaza civilians who have been injured amid the Hamas-Israel conflict.

Other banners displayed messages including ‘welcome to Genocide song contest’ and ‘stop using Eurovision to whitewash Israeli crimes’.

At one point, the pro-Palestinian demonstrators were told to go back by police and, following shouts of ‘free Palestine’, returned to the main gathering.

There was also a banner done in the style of Eurovision with the words ‘genocide’ on it, an accusation vigorously denied by Israel amid the country’s war with Hamas, sparked by the terror group’s October 7 attack last year.

The Hamas attack saw some 1,200 people in Israel killed and around 250 kidnapped by gunmen and taken back into Gaza. Since then, Israeli attacks on the coastal territory have resulted in over 34,000 deaths and a humanitarian catastrophe.

As a result of the protests, Israel’s national security agency Shin Bet ordered Golan to stay in her hotel room ahead of her semi final performance, which saw her qualify for tonight’s final. 

Protesters argue that Israel should not be allowed to take part amid a war that has killed almost 35,000 Palestinians. 

‘I don’t think they should be a part of it at all because they are committing crimes against humanity,’ said local resident Lorenzo Mayr, who attended a demonstration on Thursday.

During Golan’s rehearsals on Wednesday of her song Hurricane, which was reworked from an early track October Rain (thought to be a reference to the attack by Hamas), she was booed and there were reportedly shouts of ‘free Palestine’.

One person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘The atmosphere inside the arena was horrible. You could feel the tension. Shouts of ‘free Palestine’ in the quiet parts. Booing audible in places. People arguing in the standing section.’

Another person, who posted a video of boos raining down on the singer, added: ‘The atmosphere was so uncomfortable.’

Denmark, Finland, Norway and even host country Sweden have repeatedly called for Israel to be banned from the contest altogether. 

And in Belgium, two Ministers demanded that the Jewish state be treated the same as Russia, which has been barred since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.

Golan, who was born in Israel but grew up in Russia, has faced death threats ahead of her performances at the Malmo Arena, while even her fellow contestants have been accused of bullying her during a press conference earlier this week. 

Greek singer Marina Satti caused a stir after she was seen dramatically yawning and pretending to fall asleep while Eden was speaking to the press during a panel event.

Satti can be seen with her head slumped on her hand, looking towards the crowd before closing her eyes and pretending to yawn. 

She then puts her head in her arms and lays her head on the table in an apparent show of boredom while Golan continues to talk. 

Meanwhile, Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug, 31, revealed they cried with their team after discovering Israel had qualified for the grand finale. 

But the Israeli singer has remained defiant in the build up to the final and says she hopes her performance will help to unite people.

‘I won’t let anything break me,’ she told MailOnline in an interview this week. ‘I wouldn’t say I’m worried. I’m prepared.’

Speaking to Reuters, she said: ‘It’s a super important moment for us, especially this year. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country.’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised 20-year-old Golan for performing despite ‘contending with an ugly wave of anti-Semitism.’ 

Tonight’s final will see 26 acts – narrowed from 37 entrants by two semi-final runoffs – are due to perform three-minute songs in front of a live audience of thousands and an estimated 180 million viewers around the world.

It all makes for a messy climax to an event that draws both adoration and derision with its campy, kitschy ethos and passion for pop.

Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of the contest, says that despite this year’s divisions, ‘there is no other cultural event which brings Europeans together quite like Eurovision does.’

‘Just this moment where everyone is watching the same television show, which is being broadcast live across 37 countries – that’s something very special.’

This year’s entries range from emotional to eccentric. They include the goofy 1990s nostalgia of Finland’s Windows95man, who emerges from a giant onstage egg wearing very little clothing. 

The favorites include Swiss singer Nemo – who would be the first nonbinary Eurovision winner if their operatic song The Code tops the voting – and Croatia’s Baby Lasagna. 

His song Rim Tim Tagi Dim is a rollicking rock number that tackles the issue of young Croatians leaving the country in search of a better life.

Chart-topping pop star Olly Alexander will be flying the flag for Britain in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest this weekend – despite describing himself as ‘ambivalent’ about the Union Jack.

The 33-year-old is hoping to become the UK’s first Eurovision winner since Katrina and the Waves in 1997 after overcoming his ordeal of being bullied at school to find fame and success as both a singer and an actor.

But he is apparently feeling the pressure to nail his performance after the singer cancelled an interview last night so he could rehearse.

An email sent from the organisers of the show on Friday read: ‘Please note that the big five and Sweden media conference originally scheduled for 18.30 (5.30pm BST) has been cancelled because all artists want to focus on rehearsals.’

Vuletic says that despite the contest’s reputation for disposable bubblegum pop, Eurovision often tackles ‘political and social issues such as feminism, European integration, gender identity.’

‘And I think they’re the very interesting songs to look out for, especially because they’re the most highly ranked by the bookies,’ he said.

The competing musicians are feeling the pressure, inundated with messages and abuse on social media and unable to speak out because of the contest rules. 

Italy’s contestant, Angelina Mango, made a statement by walking into the Eurovision media center on Friday and performing John Lennon’s Imagine as dozens of journalists gathered around her.

Swedish singer Loreen, last year’s Eurovision champion – and one of only two performers to win the contest twice – urged people not to shut down the ‘community of love’ that is Eurovision.

‘What is happening in the world today and in different places is distorting and traumatizing all of us,’ she told The Associated Press.

‘What heals trauma -. Does trauma heal trauma? Does negativity heal negativity? It doesn’t work like that. The only thing that heals trauma for real – this is science – is love.’