A SCOTTISH pub has been praised for cancelling its annual Eurovision screening after it received complaints from regular customers over Israel’s inclusion in the competition.
Dreadnought Pub in Leith, Edinburgh, typically shows the competition each year but cancelled it after several customers got in touch to say they were boycotting the show.
Many fans have been calling for a ban on Israel taking part in this year’s competition amid its bombardment of the Gaza strip.
READ MORE: Why are people boycotting this year’s Eurovision?
More than 34,000 Palestinians have now been killed since October with a further 77,000 injured.
In a social media post on Tuesday, pub bosses advertised that they were going to be showing the semi-finals and the final, alongside a special drinks menu.
However, after the post received backlash from customers, bosses posted an update saying that the event was cancelled.
The update reads: “I misjudged this one, largely because I was almost completely unaware of the strength of feeling around this year’s Eurovision.
“I don’t really go on social media these days, partly as the result – somewhat ironically – of being labelled an antisemite on Twitter for raising funds for Skatepal.
READ MORE: Police arrive at Malmo's main square before Palestine protest at Eurovision
“More pertinently, a number of folk have contacted me today and patiently explained why we shouldn’t be broadcasting Eurovision this year. I get it.
“We show Eurovision every year because it’s unifying, joyful and daft. It’s not going to have that vibe this year, so we’ll find something else to do instead.
“Here’s hoping we’ll be able to enjoy it, collectively, next year.”
The decision was praised by social media users for “acting on principle”.
One person wrote: “Good decision & courage to be upfront & open about it. That's why you are the respected & loved bar that you are.”
Another added: “You have the courage of your convictions in spite of the commercial pressure this can bring, that’s why I love the Dreadnought Leith.”
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