Football Australia, along with the coach and players of the Matildas, have publicly condemned a Melbourne radio host for his derogatory comments about women's football. The remarks were deemed "unacceptable" by the national football body and sparked widespread outrage online.
Marty Sheargold, a radio host on Triple M, has been widely criticized for his offensive rant on Monday. The comments were made during his afternoon show, just hours after Australia's women had lost to the USA in the SheBelieves Cup. Sheargold was introduced by fellow program host Troy Ellis before launching into a tirade against Australia's national team. "There's something wrong with the Matildas," he said dismissively.
Marty Sheargold, a radio host on Triple M, said:
"They had that wonderful tournament out here (2023 FIFA World Cup) where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn't make the quarters. You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls... All the infighting and all the friendship issues, 'the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle's being a bitch'.
"Now I'm sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that's what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse."
When other hosts attempted to discuss the tournament results further, he interjected with another derogatory comment: "Oh, she believes in what? It better be men".
The conversation took another turn when it was mentioned that Australia is set to host next year’s Women’s Asian Cup. To this news, Sheargold responded sarcastically.
Marty Sheargold added:
"Oh god. The Asian Cup,"
"I'd rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that. Got any men's sport (to talk about)?"
Public backlash and apology
The controversial remarks were aired around 5:30 pm in Melbourne and quickly drew criticism from listeners across social media platforms.
Rosie Malone - former Hockeyroos player - posted an audio clip of Sheargold’s rant on her TikTok account on Tuesday which led to further backlash against him.
In response to public outcry over these comments, Wide World of Sports published an apology from Triple M and Sheargold three hours later.
Football Australia condemns remarks
Later on Wednesday evening following this incident, Football Australia issued their own statement condemning these remarks as unacceptable.
Football Australia released statement:
"Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the Matildas. 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,"
"The Matildas have inspired a new generation of Australians from young boys and girls to men and women who now see a future for themselves in football and sport more broadly. They have broken barriers, set new standards, and elevated the game to unprecedented heights. Their success has been instrumental in transforming women's sport in Australia, and they deserve to be covered with the respect and professionalism they have earned. 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 reinforces our society's values toward women and girls in sport.
"It is imperative that all media outlets and commentators uphold a standard of respect that reflects the immense contribution of the Matildas and all female athletes to our sporting culture and Australian story. All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect afforded to their male counterparts. We appreciate the swift response from Southern Cross Austereo and hope this leads to meaningful conversations about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of women's football and women's sport in general."
In addition to Football Australia's statement, several players and the coach of the Matildas also voiced their disapproval of Sheargold's comments. They emphasized that such derogatory remarks not only undermine women’s sports but also discourage young girls from pursuing their passion for football. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in sports. It underscores the need for respectful dialogue and support towards all athletes, regardless of gender. As fans and supporters of sports, it is crucial to promote inclusivity and respect within our conversations about all forms of sport - be it men's or women's.
