An Australian radio presenter has departed from the network following remarks he made regarding the nation’s women’s football team, which have been criticised as misogynistic and disrespectful.
Marty Sheargold, speaking on the national radio platform Triple M, compared the Matildas players to “year 10 girls” and suggested that their matches lacked excitement.
Earlier on Wednesday, he apologised and was expected to return to the airwaves, yet he was notably absent during his regular time slot.
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), the parent company of Triple M, announced that Sheargold and the station have agreed to “mutually part ways.”
On Wednesday, Sheargold issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of his comments and expressed a desire to “sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation”.
The company emphasised its commitment to listeners, shareholders, and clients, stating that its programming must meet the standards and expectations of its audience.
At this juncture, it is evident that we are in a period that calls for careful consideration and assessment. “Triple M, along with the broader SCA network, is committed to implementing all essential measures to assist its staff,” stated Dave Cameron, the firm’s chief content officer.
The sport’s governing body stated that the comments “diminish the extraordinary achievements” of a team that reached the semi-finals in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
On Monday afternoon, during his drivetime show, Sheargold made a notable interjection while a sports bulletin was covering Australia’s defeat to the US. This was the team’s second consecutive loss in the SheBelieves Cup.
“What do they remind me of?” “Year 10 girls,” Sheargold remarked, eliciting laughter from his co-hosts.
“The ongoing infighting and interpersonal conflicts have raised significant concerns. While I regret to cast a shadow over the entire sport, this is my perspective.”
During a conversation about the SheBelieves Cup, Sheargold interjected with a question, asking, “Oh, she believes in what?” It had better be men.
When the topic of Australia hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year arose, he responded with an exasperated “oh god – the Asian Cup” before concluding his criticism of the event rather crudely. He subsequently asked his co-host, “Do you have any men’s sports?”
Comments made by Sheargold subsequently gained widespread attention online.
Minister for Sport Anika Wells described the remarks as “boorish, boring and wrong.”
Ms Wells stated that the Matildas World Cup semi-final is Australia’s most-viewed television event, while the Tillies’ quarterfinal ranks second-most-watched event in the nation’s history.
Ambrosia Malone, an Australian Olympian competing in hockey, has voiced her criticism of Sheargold.
“My mind was consumed with thoughts of the young girls in the car with their parents, possibly en route to or returning from their training sessions, listening to this,” she expressed on social media.
Many individuals likely experienced feelings of hurt and confusion. My reaction was one of disbelief. Is this indeed deemed acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio? How is this possible?
Football Australia expressed its profound disappointment regarding the “unacceptable comments,” emphasising their failure to acknowledge these remarks’ significant impact on Australian sport and society.
“This incident highlights the crucial role that media outlets and personalities play in promoting respectful and constructive conversations surrounding women’s sports and the athletes involved,” it stated.
