Bob Katter called out for lack of etiquette at Matildas semi-final match

Fans shamed the man for a lack of respect after a radio host called him out for his behaviour during the semi-final match.

Radio host Ben Fordham has revealed the hilarious mix-up that made the Matildas game hard to watch.

The Matildas faced off against England on Wednesday night in the Women’s World Cup semi-final clash, pulling a crowd of 75,000 fans into Stadium Australia in Sydney Olympic Park.

Among the tens of thousands of fans were a few recognisable faces, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, actor Rebel Wilson and US tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Fordham could have wound up standing next to any one of these, but in an Instagram post shared 12 minutes after kick-off he revealed just how unlucky he was.

80,000 people at ⁦@TheMatildas⁩ and I get seated behind ⁦@RealBobKatter⁩ 🤠 pic.twitter.com/vwNUt2RKAp

— Ben Fordham (@BenFordham) August 16, 2023

“80,000 people at the Matildas and I get seated behind Bob Katter,” he said in the caption.

Fordham attached a photo of his view from the stands, obstructed by the broad silhouette of the Queensland politician and his trademark wide-brimmed Akubra.

People took to the comments to condemn the act calling it “rude” and egging Fordham on to nudge the hat off Katter’s head.

Ben Fordham's view. Picture Twitter

Aussie actress Rebel Wilson with Billie Jean King at the semi final match. Picture: Instagram

Wilson with family in the stands wearing team merch. Picture: Instagram

Weighing in on the act during his regular Today show segment on Thursday morning, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce called Mr Katter out for the faux pas.

“They’re there to stop you from getting melanoma, possibly keep your head warm if it is cold, but not to be worn in the house and certainly not to be worn in front of somebody because the person behind you has paid for their ticket,” Mr Joyce said.

“Bob, they want to watch the soccer, not the back of your head – take your hat off, why did you take it to the football? It was at night, wasn‘t it?”

Mr Joyce made his own headlines earlier this week after it was revealed that he accidentally watched a replay of a friendly game between Australia and France team instead of the quarter-final match last Saturday night.

Barnaby Joyce called out Mr Katter out for wearing an Akubra to the game. Picture: Today

Asked whether he made the same mistake during the semi-final match on Wednesday night, he assured the public that he double-checked to ensure he had the right channel.

“I checked and double-checked,” he told Today.

“But I jinxed them, I should have watched a replay – it’s very sad but they did an incredible job.”

The Matildas will face off against Sweden for third place on Saturday.