As passionate fans, we know that at times we’re all that ‘bloke in the pub’. It’s you and me, your mates, my mates, and the dude on his ninth schooner at the end of the bar.
We all yell and scream parochial nonsense when watching our beloved team.
We complain vociferously about the ref only to take it back seconds later, you know the: “oh, right, that actually was a fair penalty”.
We bay for blood when one of our team is attacked by a cowardly act from the opposition’s most ‘dirty player’. “He’s been doing it all night ref!!”. Etcetera.
But we don’t need the bloke in the pub coming out of our televisions.
This is as much a petition as an article. Rugby fans deserve better than a Fox Sports commentary team containing a double serve of Phil Kearns and Greg Martin.
I watched the second Australia versus Ireland match on mute from about the 55th minute. I’m not being melodramatic, I really did, and without any doubt in my mind, I enjoyed the game more. It came with the added benefit of not having to listen to the referee talk to the TMO, but that’s for another article…
I just could not take any more of Kearns and Marto.
I want to make it very clear that I’m not writing this to attack Phil Kearns and Greg Martin as people. I’m sure they’re good blokes. I’d have no problem having a beer with either of them, and to be specific, I’d have no problem watching a rugby game with them while drinking that beer. But this absolutely encapsulates my issue.
I want to hear things from the commentators that are on another level of objectivity, detail and expertise than what’s coming out of my own mouth – or the bloke next to me.
I don’t expect a commentator to be 100 per cent objective when their team is playing. But do believe it reasonable that they do their best to minimise their bias. Anything less and they’re not adding to my experience, they’re just barracking. To call Kearns and Martin biased doesn’t even seem strong enough.
Rather than calling for them both to be permanently barred from further commentary, I’ll propose something less extreme.
Dear Fox Sports,
We the fans demand that no more than one of either Phil Kearns or Greg Martin can be in the commentary box at any one time.
Signed,
Rugby fans.
Who would like to add their name to this?
Brian Goodman
Guest
Worst and most biased commentator ever destroying Rugby Union in Australia and possibly the world. Something must be done about it. No spectators and the game is being destroyed
waxhead
Guest
Yes I agree with your petition :)
Jboons
Guest
I totally agree about marto i have listened to that turd have a 2 minute argument with himself on live television he is an absolute spud. Kearnsy on the other hand is a boss! If you dont like kearnsey then theres a good chance your a loser because kearnsey is a winner!
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Well done. I've signed
mad mick
Guest
I find Phil Kearns bitter and twisted. I don't enjoy his commentary. When Australia are on a losing score line he turns on them as well as the opposition.Bring back the sounds of the game only option. No need for commentary
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
You don't need to mute. Press the yellow button on the remote and pick Alternative English commentary. This cuts out the commentators entirely during the match but you still get crowd noise and ref mikes. Brilliant.
Tom G
Guest
Bring back Buddha
Snobby Deans
Guest
I’ll sign. But it has to be to get rid of both of them, ideally. One is a start. Two is the goal.
barry hunt
Guest
I turn the TV off when Kearns and Martin are commentating they are so biased i just want to hit them
RobC
Roar Guru
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/claims-racism-levelled-phil-kearns-following-bizarre-air-irish-comment/
Melburnian
Roar Pro
I'd sign! I recall that Dean Jones got sacked from cricket commentary 24 hours after his "terrorist" comment directed at Hashim Amla. Kearns comments falls into the racist bracket for me, especially if it means we can dispense with listening to him. Take Marto and Moloney with him too.
Melburnian
Roar Pro
I'd add Austin Healey to that list. Insightful comment on the game. Dry sense of humour, technical knowledge is as good as any, generally neutral though tongue in cheek support for his former team.
Ian Ablett
Guest
I tend to agree with your view. I've always thought that Greg Martin is a biased commentator, not only of international games but when Queensland are playing. I like Phil Kearns as a commentator and believe he has a wealth of technical knowledge of forward play and tactics. I'd like to see Phil on a commentary team without Martin.
Steve
Guest
I agree not more Kearns at all, Marto I don't mind, The worst of the lot is Justin Marshall, who repeatedly gets his laws wrong usually 2 or 3 times a match and is as biased as they come. Not only does he get his laws wrong but spends the next 10 mins complaining. How a man who played near enough to 300 games as a professional including 80 odd for the All Blacks does not know what constitutes a try I will never understand. Both he Keith Quinn and Karl Tanana should never be placed behind a microphone again. Sayonara Kearns and Marshall
Jimbo
Guest
Both Marto and Kearnsy should be replaced. Their thinking on rugby exists in the little world of Sydney and Brisbane grade rugby. They know little about or are interested in what is happening outside what they call "The Rugby Heartland" . They show no respect for rugby in the other States and Territories or even for the game in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and country New South Wales. RA is of similar mind and, consequently, soccer, League and Australian Rules are taking over and Rugby Union is dying. RA should look at how the other codes are promoting and growing their grip on the girls and boys coming through. Also, how can you convert people to following a local team when the they don't know who the hell the opposition team is or where it comes from. Stephen Moore had a brilliant article Sunday Age of June 17th. A thoughtful and informed evaluation of the current situation of Rugby in Australia and brilliant ideas for improving crowd numbers and participation. He is the type of thinker we need commentating on our game.
John
Guest
Couldn't agree more. Kearns especially is so one eyed it is ridiculous. Mardo is not much better. Have a listen to the NZ commentators and you hear balanced knowledgeable commentary, especially from Justin Marshall. Have a look at Cheicka also to see how one eyed he is.
Rosey maher
Guest
I would rather not listen to phil kearns say fiddley dee potatoes when watching Irish rugby players talking to each other , it’s ignorant and racist.
Andrew Lowe
Guest
Agreed Kearns is the most biased, and at times clearly uneducated, of all the fox union commentators. Passions is one thing, objective analysis coupled with unbiased commentary is different........oh and Kearns you can look those big words up in a DICTIONARY. Let me just add, having just finished watching he final IRE vs Wallabies game (well done IRE, unlucky Australia....good, hard game...thats me saying that def not Kearns btw)....you are a disgrace and add nothing positive to the commentary....pathetic, especially more so that FOX actually keep you..
Wardad
Guest
Kearns making fun of a disabled fan was the last straw for me,and it was a Wallaby fan at that.
dirtyrottenscoundrel
Guest
KEYBOARD WARRIORS heads up! If you're all so fair-dinkum (cringe word for the wannabe hipsters) why don't you petition in a meaningful way. 1. Get real and cancel your subscription; put your money where your mouth is. 2. Sign the half-ar$ed petition 3. Suck it up princesses Option 1 is a no-brainer but the self entititled won't see it that way.