A Triple M radio host has faced backlash after criticizing the recent viral dance routine by the Australian men’s netball team, deeming it ’embarrassing’ and ‘disgusting’.
The Australian men’s netball team garnered attention with their dance performance before the Fast5 series in Christchurch, surprising many viewers.
The national team, known as the Kelpies, got the crowd on their feet before their first match with their dance routine to NSync’s Bye Bye Bye.
The controversial routine has since gone viral, notching up millions of views online with fans divided over if they like it or not.
One person who wasn’t impressed was Triple M host Ben Dobbin, who didn’t hold back on Brisbane drivetime show The Rush Hour last week.
‘I understand if you’re from New Zealand and you do the haka,’ Dobbin said
Radio host Ben Dobbin (pictured) wasn’t a fan of the Aussie men’s netball team’s lighthearted pre-match dance
‘I don’t understand if you’re Australian and whoever gave you the name the Kelpies …’
Co-host Leisel Jones butted in: ‘It’s brilliantly, ironically Australian.’
‘Well I’m sorry, playing men’s netball isn’t iconically Australian,’ Dobbin said.
‘I’m being honest here. I’m appalled by this. These blokes, seriously, take a look at yourselves.
‘Male netball does not have a place for Backstreet Boys.’
Co-host Liam Flanagan interjected: ‘To be clear, this is Triple M, not 4BC. What are you upset about? Men playing netball, or the dancing?’
Despite the criticism, there were supporters of the dance, with some finding it entertaining and a unique way for the team to showcase their unity and camaraderie.
‘I’m sorry. It’s a gimmick. They made the headlines but for all the wrong reasons.’
The Kelpies went on to win the entire tournament, beating New Zealand 32-30 in the final
Jones chimed in: ‘Should the Kelpies have gone to the Olympics instead of Raygun?’
Dobbin wasn’t finished: ‘They’re of the same ilk. These blokes, they should be ashamed. And I mean that genuinely.’
Flanagan said to Dobbin: ‘So, did you have a problem that the women did it? Every team was directed by the tournament organisers to perform before their first game of the tournament.’
Dobbin replied: ‘Well, they’re not sheep, they don’t have to do that.’
Flangan asked: ‘Don’t you think it would be poor form if the tournament is like, ‘Hey, this is like T20 cricket, we’re trying to build a fast-paced, exciting atmosphere’. The crowd lost their marbles over that.’
Dobbin said: ‘Dance to Horses or Working Class Man, not the Backstreet Boys. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, this is disgusting. Mate, it’s embarrassing.
‘Daryl [Braithwaite] does it at every Cox Plate, there’s no dramas with that.’
Dobbin has since been criticised for his remarks on social media.
‘Imagine being angry at people dancing and enjoying themselves,’ replied one social media user.
‘Oh no, young men are enjoying themselves,’ posted another.
‘Dancing is part of the tournament, you absolute pelican,’ commented a third.
A fourth posted: ‘Sounds like this is disrupting someone’s long held beliefs of what it is to be a man. Grow up.’
The Kelpies went on to win the whole tournament by beating New Zealand 32-30.
