Eurovision struggles to keep politics out as Israel controversy hits Malmö

Competing rallies are on the streets, Netherlands' entrant is under investigation and others complain music is being overshadowed

The official motto of the 68th edition of Eurovision is united by music", but as the continent's beglittered and sequined masses descended on the Swedish city of Malmo for Saturday's grand final, music's ability to heal and bridge divides was looking in serious doubt.

In the run-up to the song contest's main event, the Netherlands' performer Joost Klein missed his slot in two dress rehearsals after being put under investigation by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) due to an unexplained incident".