The performance was widely mocked. Photo / Twitter
The performance was widely mocked. Photo / Twitter
A group of nurses fighting Covid-19 at a UK hospital have been branded "embarrassing" and "disrespectful" for performing their version of a haka to fight the pandemic.
The nurses from Tavistock Hospital posted the video to Twitter. It shows a large group of uniformed nurses performing for the camera with what appears to be bandages around their heads.
Some have also smeared a dark colour under their eyes.
They hold up pictures of a novel coronavirus molecule before attempting a very rough approximation of the Ka Mate haka.
Speaking to the BBC, the hospital said the haka was a moment of "wonderful bonding".
Despite their enthusiasm, comments on the hospital's social media feed were less than complimentary.
Many questioned whether the nurses were really that busy if they had time to rehearse and perform the haka.
"I can't believe this, they must know the majority of the public find these disrespectful when we are told how rushed off their feet they are," wrote one man.
"They must have practised for a while too. Maybe that time could have been spent at a hospital that is struggling."
Others said the performance was "embarrassing" and a "lot of cringe".
Some posted in support of the nurses, saying they were working in a high-pressure environment.
"Give them a break ... High pressure job letting off a bit of steam with a bit of loonacy (sic) is great for morale & shares their hope for the future," wrote one supporter.
"Be really worried when they stop dancing for they will have lost hope."
One rugby fan didn't miss the opportunity to resurrect the ghost of the All Blacks' crushing defeat against England at the last World Cup, posting a smirking Owen Farrell in response.
