Joost Klein, who is representing the Netherlands at the European Song Contest final on Saturday, did not take part in Friday afternoon’s rehearsal because of an “incident”. 

The European broadcasting union EBU, which organises the festival, said it was looking into an “incident” which had been reported and which involved the Dutch entry but did not give any details. 

AVROTROS, the Dutch public broadcaster that deals with the Dutch end of the festival, said it would not comment and was “waiting for the results” of the investigation. 

Klein, who qualified for the final during Thursday’s semi-final, did take part in the flag parade before the main rehearsal took place. 

Broadcaster NOS points out there was one awkward moment at the post semi-final press conference in which the Israeli competitor was asked if she had considered her presence might pose a danger to other competitors and the audience.

A press spokesman said she did not need to answer the question, after which Klein, who had his head buried in the Dutch flag at the time, said “Why not?”. Eden Golan then went on to answer the question. 

However, as yet, there is no link between that incident and Klein’s non-appearance at the rehearsal. 

The Telegraaf said that it is “notable” that Klein stopped following Eurovision on Instagram on Friday afternoon and has removed all his posts from Thursday evening.