SAS stars Jessica Peris and John Steffenson slammed over ‘dog act’

Shocked viewers have lashed out at Jessica Peris and John Steffenson over a “dirty tactic” pulled during a high-stakes challenge.

Furious viewers have slammed Jessica Peris and John Steffenson over what’s been labelled a “dirty tactic” during a challenge on SAS Australia.

Sprint star Peris, 31, was up against dual Olympian Jana Pittman, 38, in an assignment which saw them forced to knock the other off a log suspended in the air above fast-moving water.

Peris quickly triumphed over her opponent – but only after throwing a handful of dirty sand in Pittman’s eyes, causing her to become disoriented.

The move stunned Pittman.

She then lost the challenge.

She may have taken the victory, but viewers erupted with fury over the “dog act” in a flurry of tweets.

I’m sorry but I don’t care what the guys in charge say but throwing grit in someone’s face is just a dirty tactic. #sasaustralia

— J (@outtamy_head) October 4, 2021

Nah Jess. Can’t justify your poor choice. #Cheat#SASAustralia

— Jennifer McBain (@JenMcB) October 4, 2021

I’m not down with the sand throwing #SASAustralia

— Tom Oldfield (@tomoldfield85) October 4, 2021

That sand tactic is BS! #SASAustralia

— Lauren K (@lolly375) October 4, 2021

Dirty tactics #SASAustralia

— Ginger Tompkins ⚽️⚽️ (@RonHunter12) October 4, 2021

Respect lost jess… #SASAustralia

— Sharon Woweries (@damoxa23) October 4, 2021

Omfg that’s so unfair against Jana! Why give her opponent an advantage-that’s cheating🤬#sasaustralia

— Fully vaxxed J🍩 (@jojoeyjo9) October 4, 2021

That’s a dog act! #SASAustralia

— Lauren K (@lolly375) October 4, 2021

I’m with Jana, I would rather lose and have my morals than cheat to win. #SASAustralia

— Ashlee (@_itsashleeee_) October 4, 2021

However, there were some who pointed out that it was fair game.

In war it's life or death. There's no safety rope. Sand in the eyes can be washed out. Hand in your number if you think otherwise #SASAustralia

— MXYZ 💉💉 (@MXYZ_) October 4, 2021

Kill or be killed. Sand in the eyes? Cop that punk, I’m alive, you’re dead.
Next. #SASAustralia

— Raymondo Antonio (@iamrazoo) October 4, 2021

Later, Peris’ fellow sprinter Steffenson also employed the sneaky tactic in his challenge against actor Dan Ewing, and was quickly slammed on social media.

Ewing also copped a spray.

Dirty by John & Jess. #SASAustralia

— Fully vaxxed J🍩 (@jojoeyjo9) October 4, 2021

The shock move may have come out of nowhere for their opponents, but both Peris and Steffenson had been acting on advice from the Directing Staff.

Mark “Billy” Billingham offered up the suggestion as Peris was preparing to walk out across the pole, telling her: “You know what I’d do? Keep your cool, keep looking at her … Handful of dirt when you get close enough. Face full of dirt … Boom, sweet, take her out.”

During the awkward journey back at base camp, Peris attempted to apologise but was met with disapproval from Pittman.

“That was horrible, I’m so sorry, Jana,” Peris told her.

The ride back to camp was uncomfortable.

“Only you two did it,” Pittman hit back. “I just didn’t expect it from you (Jessica) … I expected it from him. … It’s just different personalities. I’ve never been a particularly aggressive person. No offence, doll, but there is no way I could’ve done that. Maybe that’s my weakness.”

“It’s a street fight, Jana,” Steffenson arguing, pointing out there were “different rules here”.

Despite Peris and Steffenson’s early victories, AFL player Heath Shaw was crowned the ultimate winner of the log challenge but later handed in his number.

Peris also quit the course during last night’s episode, along with ironman Jett Kenny.

SAS Australia continues tonight at 7.30pm on Seven.