EUROVISION was plunged into a favouritism row last night as it emerged bosses used fake applause to cover up boos for Israel.
organisers drowned out the crowd during a rehearsal of of New Day Will Rise on Friday night.
It followed a backlash over the country’s inclusion in the contest owing to the conflict in .
The European Broadcasting Union agreed to have discussions about its participation next year.
One fan wrote on X: “I have a huge issue with the EBU silencing the booing during Israel’s performance and adding fake cheers to make it sound like there’s a positive reception from the audience.
“EBU is a public service broadcaster whose purpose is to serve the public, not to silence them.”;;
Another fan argued: “Why do you mute the audience’s boos and replace them with fake applause effects? Where are your ethical values?”;;
It came amid strengthened security measures at the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel, .
Flags from countries not competing and whistles have been banned.
Protesters with Palestinian flags and whistles interrupted the song by Yuval, 24, at a rehearsal on Thursday.
Before last night’s final, a warm-up act urged the audience: “Cheer for everybody. The Eurovision tribe is one of loving human beings. We do not hate. We just love.”;;
Host Hazel Brugger added: “Please give every single performer everything you’ve got.”;;
Yesterday afternoon, EBU director Martin Green said it had been preparing for the past year and, when it came to potential disruption, was “ready for all possibilities”;;.
