'Wariness that voting could go in Israel's favour' in Eurovision, bookies say

There is a possibility that Cork’s Bambie Thug and Israel’s Eden Golan may face off in tonight’s final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, an Irish bookmaking company has suggested.

Ireland and Israel both qualified for the final at their respective semi-finals this week, but Israel’s presence in this year’s Eurovision at the same time the country has waged war on Gaza has been a point of great international controversy.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators have protested in Malmö.

Despite this, Irish gambling firm BoyleSports is now rating Israel as 3/1 second favourite to win the song contest.

Audience members, including former Irish entrants Jedward, left in protest during Eden Golan’s performance in Thursday night's semi final, but BoyleSports said there was a growing belief in some quarters that Israel could gain enough support from allies on Saturday to win.

The bookmakers have slashed Israel’s odds from 33/1 into 3/1 in recent days.

Macroom’s Bambie Thug also is a possible winner, the bookies said, as they are fourth favourite at odds of 14/1 and just 7/2 to record a top-three finish.

Before Tuesday’s semi-final, Bambie Thug was asked by Eurovision organsisers to remove from their face and legs Ogham writing spelling out “Ceasefire” and “Freedom for Palestine”.

Bambie Thug will perform their song Doomsday Blue 10th in Saturday night’s running order, a position which may prove a good draw for them. According to statistician Dr Liam Brierly of the Universities of Liverpool and Glasgow, songs performed in the second quarter of the final do historically well, with only songs performed in the last quarter doing better.

Croatia’s Baby Lasagna will hope to secure a first Eurovision win for their country and is now the 10/11 favourite to go all the way, while the UK’s Olly Alexander would have to spring a major surprise at odds of 250/1 to bring the trophy back to London.

Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said Israel’s chances might cause an upset on tonight.

“The Eurovision Song Contest continues to be embroiled in controversy over Israel’s participation, but there is a wariness that the voting could well go in their favour on Saturday night,” he said.

The Eurovision final takes place at 8pm on Saturday, May 11, in Malmö, Sweden.