Claims of racism levelled at Phil Kearns following bizarre on-air Irish comment

FoxSports commentator and former Wallaby hooker Phil Kearns raised the ire of Irish people the world over following bizarre comments made during the Australia Ireland match in Sydney.

Ireland clinched a series win over Australia following a closely fought third test victory at Allianz Park.

Kearns - who is known for his outspoken commentary - made the comments during a pause in play in the 47th minute.

Kearns appeared to be frustrated at the amount time Ireland were taking before a scrum, a practice the former Wallaby felt the referee should have stepped in on.

Kearns then said: "Fiddle-a-dee, Fiddle-a-dee, Fiddle-a-dee, potato...out the back there having their own little chat."

It didn't go down to too well with Irish watching on Fox Sports, among others RugbyPass columnist Neil Best.

Many questioned the appropriateness of the comments, which some felt bordered on racism.

It's not the first time Kearns has got on the wrong side of the Irish. At the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand he said the Irish wouldn't have much to "cheer about" minutes before kick-off between Australia and Ireland's pool match.

Ireland went on to beat Australia resoundingly.

Kearns represented the Wallabies 67 times and was captain on ten occasions. He was part of the famous World Cup winning team of 1999.