EUROVISION Song Contest chiefs sparked anger after issuing a ‘nil pints’ edict and banning booze at this weekend’s glittering final.
The decision to ban alcohol at all hotels and venues taking part in this year’s event came after a member of Iceland’s team was found to have Covid-19.
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Organisers ruled that allowing boozing risked spreading the disease, and jeopardised strict social distancing measures in place.
The decision immediately sparked widespread anger – with the Russian team lodging a complaint.
Prior to the ban, contestants and their support teams, many of whom have been in host city Rotterdam, Holland since last weekend, could down drinks at designated venues and hotels until midnight.
Semi-finals of the glamorous singing battle took place on Tuesday and Thursday, with the grand final coming today.
One disgruntled source in Rotterdam told Trending In The News: “The decision to ban alcohol has gone down like a lead balloon. There were already strict social-distancing measures in place.
“Having a drink was at least one enjoyable part of being out here – but now that’s gone too.
“Lots of the artists are absolutely furious that this has happened. They don’t believe the virus incident in the Icelandic team had anything to do with alcohol being consumed.”
Jóhann Sigurður Jóhannsson, a member of Iceland’s band entry Daði og Gagnamagnið, confirmed they had been hit by Covid-19.
He told fans: “I’m generally very sad about the whole situation. I’m healthy. It’s difficult because we’ve worked so hard and I really wanted this and it’s been so long in the making.
“We’re really proud of our rehearsal and I’m hoping we will make Icelanders proud and make our supporters proud.”
The UK entry, sung by James Newman, is expected to perform better than recent annual entries in the final on Saturday night – avoiding the dreaded ‘nil points’ verdict from judges.
The 35-year old was seen in rehearsals wearing sparkling gold trousers.
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, plus the host nation, Netherlands, go automatically through to the final stage of the competition, which dates back to 1956.
It was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, meaning fans have been eagerly waiting for it to return in 2021.
Thousands of die-hard Eurovision fans will be hosting drink-fuelled parties across the UK as coverage hosted by Graham Norton starts on BBC1 at 8pm.
