VIEWERS watching Eurovision took to Twitter to point out the UK's widespread unpopularity after its dismal result in the contest's final.

UK entry James Newman scored a total of zero points from each country's panel of judges, as well as in the popular votes, after he performed his song Embers in the Netherlands last night.

It is the second time in a row that the UK has ended the contest with no points.

Italy's pop-rock Maneskin triumphed with France coming second in the competition which was held in Rotterdam.

Other top performances came from Switzerland, Iceland, Russia and Lithuania.

Many people watching across Scotland and the UK swiftly noted that the UK's result in the competition reflected its unpopularity among the other 25 countries taking part.

The National:

James Newman, the UK's entry, perfoming Embers in the Eurovision final last night

Journalist Lesley Riddoch wrote on Twitter this morning: "Eurovision was as life-affirmingly barking as ever. Silken Italian punks were elegantly defiant. Iceland was happy and cool. France/Switzerland songs were belters. And Brexited Britain is now clearly Johnny no mates. Ah well."

Scottish film-maker Phantom Power tweeted: "This was the most political Eurovision ever with millions of public votes involved. The UK is clearly and roundly despised across the continent. How does that sound to you Scotland."

The SNP communications chief at Holyrood, Murray Foote, noted the Brexit context of the competition.

He tweeted:  "Nul points. It’s like a Liz Truss trade deal."

The National:

Russian singer Manizha Sangin wore a dress inspired by a Russian doll, and stepped out of it into a jump suit during her peformance.

Scottish legal journalist James Doleman tweeted : "The United Kingdom gets from the public, zero points" and added: "Feeling sorry for that poor guy now."

Actor Dan Stevens, who played the Russian contestant Alexander Lemtov in the film Eurovision, highlighted a quote from his character in the movie.

Stevens tweeted "called it" and referred to Lemtov's words in the popular film: "She's quite good but everybody hates the UK, so zero points."

Stephen Paton, The National's columnist, wrote on Twitter: "Not a single point for the UK so far. That's pretty much a perfect representation of the UK's relationship with Europe...and frankly deserved."

Other viewers argued the result for an independent Scotland's entry would be very different.

Journalist Adam Ramsay tweeted: "Can’t wait for Scotland to take our rightful place on the stage at #Eurovision. It’s gonna be amazing."

Jack O’Neil tweeted: "An independent Scotland would’ve won Eurovision.".

SNP councillor and the party's national women's convener Rhiannon Spear sparked controversy when wrote on Twitter: "It's ok Europe we hate the United Kingdom too. Love, Scotland."

She later added: "The UK has a billionaire Chancellor who won't give NHS staff a fair pay rise during a global pandemic."

She also said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is "more interested in lining the pockets of his Tory donors than feeding hungry children".

She added: "If this tweet offends you, have a word with yourself."

Spear's comments led to criticism from both Yes and Pro-Union supporters.

Yesser Ariel Killick wrote: "Wtf Rhiannon, this is appalling - I've given speeches at multiple indy rallies and I'd never say so something so irresponsible even if you're joking, not that it's actually clear you are. This is very poor leadership at any level of responsibility & representation."

Thomas Kerr, a Tory councillor on Glasgow city councillor, responded: "Rhiannon, you're the Chair of Glasgow city council education committee. Not really settling a good example to our young people, are you? We should be teaching tolerance and inclusion, not hate and division."

Scottish Conservative chief whip, Stephen Kerr, said: “The mask has again slipped from the SNP and this is another example of their toxic obsession with division.

“This is abhorrent language from one of the SNP’s most prominent campaigners and a 2021 election candidate, not to mention chair of Glasgow City Council’s education committee.

“We should be teaching tolerance and inclusion, not hate and division.”

Newman, who is the older brother of pop star John Newman, had been ready to perform the ballad My Last Breath at the 2020 contest before it was cancelled due to the pandemic. In 2019, UK contestant Michael Rice also scored zero points.

He put on a brave face as the results came in.

As well as the 26 acts in the competition, there were appearances from former winners, including Finnish rock band Lordi, playing on top of rooftops in Rotterdam.

Russian singer Manizha Sangin, 29, performed Russian Woman in a song regarded as a feminist statement.

The lyrics included comments Russian women hear, such as: “Oh, beautiful, you’re over 30, hello, where are the kids?”

Sangin said the song mocks stereotypical attitudes toward women.

She explained: "Now we know that this knowledge causes trauma and I won’t tell my daughter these things."

Iceland had to appear remotely due to a case of Covid within the band.

The hosts of the show included Nikkie de Jager, making history as the first openly transgender person to present the show in its history.

Italy will now host the next 2022 Eurovision song contest. It is the third time they have been winners, and Rome and Naple have previously acted as host cities.

Some 3500 spectators attended the live event with all those taking part having to have a negative Coronavirus test before attending.

This year's theme is 'Open Up', and the Dutch government-backed coronavirus restrictions could be a model for events like Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics as the world slowly emerges from lockdown.

Contest bosses banned alcohol from being consumed at the final.

Speaking outside the arena, one fan, Saskia Scharree, 51, said: "I think it's the beginning of a new start. When something as big as this happens in Holland, you're going to join in.".

The results were:

Italy - 524

France- 499

Switzerland - 432

Iceland- 378

Ukraine- 364

Finland - 301

Malta - 255

Lithuania - 220

Russia - 204

Greece - 170

Bulgaria - 170

Portugal - 153

Moldova - 115

Sweden - 109

Serbia - 109

Cyprus- 94

Israel - 93

Norway - 75

Belgium - 74

Azerbaijan - 65

Albania - 57

San Marino - 50

Netherlands - 11

Spain - 6

Germany - 3

United Kingdom - 0