AUSTRALIAN rugby commentator Phil Kearns has been criticised for his comments during Ireland’s third Test victory over the Wallabies.
Ireland’s 20-16 win sealed a first series victory in Australia for 39 years.
However Fox Sports commentator Kearns’ comments during a break in play in the second half have caused a stir online.
@IrishRugby you guys heard this ditty from Phil Kearns on Fox Sports? He's a douchebag. Turn up the sound. pic.twitter.com/Thnir2P6k7
— DIAR (@DevaneyShane) 24 June 2018
The former Rugby World Cup winner sounded frustrated as he claimed Ireland were slowing the game down following CJ Stander’s try to give the visitors a 17-9 lead.
“Fiddle dee dee, fiddle dee dee, fiddle dee dee, potato,” said Kearns.
“Out the back there, having their own little chat.”
The comments provoked a reaction on social media, with fans branding them 'disgusting' and 'disgraceful'.
@FOXSportsAUS disgraceful remark from Phil Kearns
— Stephen Dooley (@Dooley156Dooley) 23 June 2018
@FOXSports are you serious with Phil Kearns mocking the Irish with his "fiddiledy potatoes" comments? Disrespectful and disgusting for someone who is "suppose" to be an impartial commentator.
— Scott Pull (@scottpull) 23 June 2018
@IrishRugby you might want to listen to the Australian rugby commentary on foxtel coverage at approx 47 mins for a pretty offensive remark from Phil Kearns. In between the usual moaning.
— Matthew Jordan (@ImaWelshGod) 23 June 2018
I’m glad that series is over for the one reason that I don’t have to listen to Phil Kearns again. Whatever the merits of the case, you can be certain, Phil Kearns is always wrong. @FOXSports should seriously look into his disgusting and disrespectful comments towards Irish
— Micheal O'Rourke (@orourkemick) 23 June 2018
@FOXRugbyLive Extremely disappointed to hear Phil Kearns caricature and ridicule Irish people during the commentary of the #AUSvIRL match. Totally unprofessional throughout the broadcast. Really not good enough
— Darragh Ruddy (@ShaunOfTheFuzz) 23 June 2018
A superb season.
Poor show from Phil Kearns on the mic today though. Not very classy at all.
Monocular commentary aside, the lack of respect he showed with that stupid quip is now mutual from me, even as a citizen of Australia.
That’s the polite version anyway.— Justin Deegan (@JustinDeeganEsq) 23 June 2018
It was a great series despite Phil Kearns’ usual one-eyed commentary and disrespectful comments - he just couldn’t help himself could he?
All credit and congratulations to a powerful and committed Irish side who deserved their win.— Nicola Robilliard (@nickirobilliard) 23 June 2018
@FOXRugbyLive Any apologies coming from your organisation on behalf of Phil Kearns "fiddle dee potato" comments? I'm really questioning my 10 year plus subscription. His comments were not in jest, and I believe for a TV commentator completely unacceptable.
— Heathen Tramp (@heathen_tramp) June 24, 2018
The Irish Post has asked Fox Sports to comment on Kearns' remarks.
