Eurovision boss drowned out by loud boos and jeers amid Netherlands disqualification controversy and protests

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) could not have gotten a clearer message from the crowd regarding how they felt about the organisation's antics this past week.

Over the past few days, the EBU has come under fire for a number of issues but arguably the most notable was disqualifying the Netherlands' entry just hours before the final.

Joost Klein was booted from the competition on Saturday following an "incident" that led to a police investigation involving a member of the media.

The Dutch act was suspended initially on Friday ahead of dress rehearsals, with the crowd booing the stadium announcer who revealed the news on the night.

The decision by the EBU to axe Klein resulted in Dutch Eurovision broadcaster AVROTROS branding the punishment as "disproportionate" and several fans were upset he was booted off while Israel's Eden Golan was allowed to participate.

So when Eurovision presenter Malin Akerman headed to EBU boss Martin Osterdahl ahead of revealing the finale's results, the crowd broke into a blanket of loud boos.

"Let's check in with the man in control, the Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Osterdahl," Akerman began. "What can you tell us about the result?"

As the camera zoomed towards the EBU representative, he attempted to ignore the jeers and replied: "The moment of truth has arrived.

"I can tell you we've checked and verified the results and we're ready to start revealing the results of the grand final. You're good to go."

Noticing the reception, BBC commentator Graham Norton was quick to poke fun at the situation.

Joost Klein

He said to viewers: "The crowd have turned on Martin. Some of the crowd is not happy with the EBU and Martin's the face of it so..."

The reception to the EBU comes after it issued a statement explaining the decision to disqualify Klein from the contest.

It said: "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.

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Joost Klein

"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 EBU already come under fire for allowing Israeli participant Golan to compete in their year's competition amid the country's war with Hamas.

Following the October 7 attacks by the terrorist group, Israel had launched attacks on Gaza which had claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Palestinians.