Football Australia has strongly criticised Australian radio host Marty Sheargold for making misogynistic remarks about the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team.
In a statement released on Wednesday (26 February), the sports governing body expressed its deep disappointment over Sheargold’s comments, which have sparked backlash against both the presenter and the radio station.
“Such remarks not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society,” said Football Australia.
The statement further emphasised that all female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect as their male counterparts.
“While we acknowledge the apologies issued by both Triple M and Marty Sheargold, this incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women’s sport and its participants.
“Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforce our society’s values toward women and girls in sport.”
Rosie Malone and Matildas Players Respond
The controversy gained further traction after former Hockeyroo Rosie Malone shared a clip of Sheargold’s comments on Instagram, expressing her shock and disappointment.
“I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5:30pm) on the way to training, and all I could think about was the young girls sitting in the car with their parents, maybe on the way to or from their own training sessions, hearing this,” she wrote.
“I’m sure many of them would have been hurt and confused. I was in disbelief. This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio?? HOW??”
Matildas players also weighed in, with Alex Chidiac stating she was “so sick of this s*”**, while Clare Wheeler reinforced that “sport is for everyone, and these views are for no one”.
What Did Marty Sheargold Say?
During his Triple M Drive show on Monday (24 February), Sheargold made several derogatory remarks about the Matildas, saying he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis” than watch them play in next year’s Asian Cup.
He went on to belittle the team, likening them to “year 10 girls”, making comments about infighting and drama, and even dismissing the SheBelieves Cup—a major women’s football tournament—by saying:
“Oh, she believes in what? It better be men. Got any men’s sport?”
He also incorrectly claimed that the Matildas had failed to reach the quarter-finals at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup despite them making history by reaching the semi-finals.
Sheargold and Triple M Issue Apologies
Following the backlash, Sheargold apologised on Wednesday, stating that his comments were intended as comedy.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise.”
Triple M also released a statement distancing itself from Sheargold’s remarks.
“The comments do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports. We sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused.”
Despite these apologies, the incident has reignited conversations about sexism in sports media and the importance of respectful coverage of women’s sports.
