– We think it is sad that he exploits his participation in this way, says SVT to Swedish media.
Wednesday 8 May at 04:54
Swedish artist Eric Saade, who has previously represented Sweden in Eurovision, wore a Palestinian headscarf, called a keffiyeh, twisted around his arm during the opening show of the first Eurovision semi-final in Malmö on Tuesday night.
Political symbols are prohibited during Eurovision.
According to Aftonbladet, Saade, who himself has Palestinian origins, has previously said that it was important for him to participate in the show as a protest against Israel being allowed to participate.
Also read: Eric Saade criticizes the EBU: – Shameful
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) apologizes for the marking during the live show.
– Everyone who performs is well aware of the competition rules and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise with the idea of keeping the competition neutral, writes the EBU.
Ten artists secured a place in Saturday’s final during Tuesday’s semi-final. See the winning songs here:
The Swedish national broadcaster SVT, which produces the show, is also dissatisfied.
– Eric Saade is fully aware of the rules that apply when you go on stage at Eurovision. We think it is sad that he exploits his participation in this way, says Eurovision producer Ebba Adielsson to Aftonbladet.
Also read: These countries are through to the Eurovision final
In an SMS to SVT, Saade writes that he believes it is racist to refer to the Palestinian scarf as a political symbol.
He says that he was given the scarf by his father when he was a small boy, so that he would never forget where his family comes from.
– The EBU seems to think that my ethnicity is controversial. It says nothing about me, but everything about them, he writes.
