Man tried to storm Eurovision 2025 stage during Israel's performance
A British man was arrested during the Eurovision Song Contest final after pro-Palestinian protesters rushed towards Israeli singer Yuval Raphael on stage
Yuval Raphael representing Israel performs on stage during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest
(Image: Getty Images )
Tensions flared during the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday night when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage as Israeli singer Yuval Raphael performed. A man from Manchester was arrested in connection with the disruption, which left the performer visibly shaken, according to her team.
The dramatic moment unfolded in Basel, Switzerland, as Yuval—an October 7 attack survivor—sang her entry New Day Will Rise to a chorus of both cheers and boos. "A mixed response," observed BBC commentator Graham Norton, in the Basel, Switzerland arena.
Israel secured second place with 357 points, with the UK giving the nation its full 12 points in the public vote.
Youth Demand, an organisation advocating for a trade embargo on Israel, stated that its supporters David Curry, 22, from Manchester, and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, had been arrested, reports Manchester Evening News.
On Saturday, a spokesperson for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters "were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset". "The delegation was needed to move location for 15 minutes," he added.
"At the same time, a big anti-Israel protest takes place in the centre of Basel. Israeli national security council issued a warning to Israeli civilians in the city to keep a low profile."
Article continues below
A spokesperson for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR reported: "At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier on to the stage. They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police."
Swiss police have confirmed that the pair were handed over to them and have since been released. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
A Basel police spokesperson said: "The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges."
Earlier, pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place near a free concert in central Basel to protest against Israel's participation, with a small contingent also showing support for Israel with flags.
Subsequently, the group calling for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision moved through Basel, encountering a strong police response and the use of tear gas.
This incident follows a disruption during Raphael's rehearsal for Thursday's second semi-final, where six individuals with "oversized flags and whistles" interfered with her performance. SRG SSR, hosting the event in Basel after Nemo's victory for Switzerland with The Code in Malmo 2024, stated that the disruptors were promptly removed from the St Jakobshalle arena.
Article continues below
Austria clinched the victory at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with JJ's track 'Wasted Love', leaving Israel in second place.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
12 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'Balamory town' where homes are affordable as iconic series returns
Property prices are actually lower than the national average. Scotland's seaside towns and villages all benefit from coastal views, and are all wonderful places to live. However, there is nowhere in the country quite like Tobermory. The capital town of the Isle of Mull, Tobermory was originally built as a fishing port in the late 18th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and is considered among the prettiest ports in the UK. Tobermory is perhaps most famous as the location of the beloved 2000s children's television series Balamory. The town's colourful seafront buildings feature prominently in the show. As reported by the Daily Record, the BBC has announced the return of Balamory after its last episode aired in June 2005. New episodes of the programme will debut next year, with original stars reprising their roles. Julie Wilson Nimmo, Andrew Agnew, Kim Tserkezie, and Julie Cadzow are set to return as Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Penny Pocket, and Edie McCredie respectively. The revival will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and CBeebies in 2026. In anticipation of Balamory's comeback, property experts at Sell House Fast have revealed how much homes in the area cost. They also investigated how prices have changed in the years since the show has been on air. According to Sell House Fast, the average cost of a detached house in Tobermory is £300,083. Meanwhile, semi-detached houses are priced at £255,000 on average. The experts also found that most homes sold in Tobermory over the past year were flats. These cost an average of £139,750. Overall, in the past year, property in Tobermory sold for an average of £221,947. This is slightly lower than the national Scottish average of £223,657. Sell House Fast stated that property prices in the town peaked in 2008. According to the experts, this indicates that the popularity of Balamory had "little impact" on prices, as the show ended years earlier. Jack Malnick, MD of Sell House Fast, commented: "With the filming of Balamory returning to the vibrant Scottish seaside town of Tobermory, residents and prospective buyers will be wondering if the show will impact the housing market. "Whilst homes can indeed increase in value when they feature in TV shows, it isn't always the case—and I don't see it being the case here. "House prices in Tobermory peaked in 2008, years after the show originally aired, which suggests that it had little impact on property prices in the town. "However, the show's return may well lead to an increase in a demand for short term accommodation in the town. Balamory had two million weekly viewers at its peak, and if the reboot has the same success, many young fans may want to visit the real-life town, offering an increase in tourist revenue and leading to more homeowners to capitalise on this demand by renting out their properties as holiday homes." For those looking to visit the charming town, in terms of holiday lets, there are plenty of options to choose from around Tobermory. One of these is a "beautiful bothy with sea views" that sleeps up to two guests, which can be booked for £375 for two nights through Airbnb. The traditional stone cottage sits high up in the town, with views out over the sea from the garden patio. Inside, there is a double bed "in a cosy nook" and a wood-burner for chilly evenings. Elsewhere, there is a flat to rent in one of the iconic buildings along Tobermory's waterfront. Also available through Airbnb, it can be booked for £280 for three nights. Sleeping up to two visitors, the apartment features one bedroom with an en-suite shower room. There is also a large living room, kitchen, and dining room at front of the building that offers "fantastic views" according to the listing. Average house prices in Tobermory per property type Detached house — £300,083 Semi-detached house — £255,000 Flat — £139,750
Scottish Sun
13 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Manor house made famous by iconic BBC show is back on the market – can YOU guess where it's from?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MANOR house made famous by an iconic BBC show has gone on the market - do you recognise it? The well-known home in Luckington, Wiltshire, was a memorable part of British television in the 90s and has been listed for just under £4million. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 14 Luckington Court in Wiltshire is on sale for just under £4million Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 14 One of the living areas in Luckington Court Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 14 The picturesque grounds of Luckington Court Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 14 Fans can now snap up a piece of iconic British TV history Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 14 Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice 1995 Credit: Alamy Luckington Court famously portrayed Longbourn in the the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Now, Pride and Prejudice fans have a shot at snapping up a unique piece of TV history as the picturesque manor house hits the market. The grade II-listed country house, immortalised to millions as the home of protagonist Elizabeth Bennet and her family, is up for sale for £3.95million. The BBC's 1995 adaptation featured Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as the dashing Mr Darcy. It is widely lauded as the best adaptation of the Jane Austen classic ever made. Those wanting to live their very own Jane Austen-inspired life can strut through the Queen Anne front pillared portico or wistfully meander through the mature gardens like the on-screen family. The historic country house, featuring a wood carved doorway reputedly by Grinling Gibbons as well as eight bedrooms. It also boasts seven bathrooms and six reception rooms, providing ample room for family life and entertainment. The second floor is a flat and games room, says Knight Frank, who are handling the sale. And there's plenty of outside space too, with extensive lawns approaching the house dominated by a 400-year-old Lebanese Cedar, which has one of the biggest ever recorded in the UK. 14 The Bennet family walking into the front of Luckington Court Credit: PIC FOR REFERENCE ONLY - NOT FOR 14 Pride and Prejudice 1995 is considered the best adaptation of the novel Credit: Alamy 14 Jenifer Ehle, playing Elizabeth Bennet walking into Luckington Court gardens Credit: PIC FOR REFERENCE ONLY - NOT FOR 14 The small country estate boasts luscious views Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 14 It is described as a 'quintessentially English' property Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media The new owners will also enjoy a tennis court, stable block, a dovecote, an outdoor riding school. The property also boasts home farm buildings, 1.27 acres of woodland and four well-presented cottages. James Walker, Regional Head of Central in Knight Frank's Country Department, said: "It is a privilege to be involved with the sale of Luckington Court, which is the epitome of a classic, small country estate. "The next custodian will appreciate the subtle grandeur and the sense of pride it evokes. "Quintessentially English and wonderfully understated." Prior to the 1995 TV series coming out, another version of Pride And Prejudice was written for the BBC in 1980 by the late Fay Weldon. But the 1995 version is arguably better known as it helped make Colin Firth a household name. And its famous lake scene inspired similar sequences in Bridget Jones' Diary and Bridgerton. Luckington Court at Luckington near Chippenham in Wiltshire had last been taken off the market in 2023, listed with estate agent Wooley & Wallis with an asking price of £6 million. In 2018, it was put up for sale for the first time in 70 years, through Strutt & Parker, with a higher guide price of £9 million. 14 The Bennet sisters walking in the garden of Longbourn which is Luckington Court in real life 14 The picturesque property is nestled in a peaceful area Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 14 Luckington Court in Luckington, Wiltshire, famously portrayed Longbourn Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The Guardian
14 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunts jailed Palestinian leader
Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the prominent Palestinian Marwan Barghouti in jail and told him 'you will not win'. Ben-Gvir shared the video on his X account, also telling Barghouti – a potential unifying figure among Palestinians who has been jailed for more than two decades – that anyone who threatens Israel would be eliminated.
