Alleged comedian Marty Sheargold, who went on an astonishing, sexist, anti-Matildas rant on his Melbourne radio show, has departed Triple M following a public backlash and intervention from his employers.
Sheargold, who hosts a show on Triple M and took a leave of absence after a drunken incident at the 2023 Grand Final, was reacting to the Matildas’ 2-1 loss to the United States on Monday.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” he 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.”
His fellow hosts tried to continue discussing the result – Australia’s second defeat of the SheBelieves tournament.
“Oh, she believes in what? It better be men,” said Sheargold, who appears on the ABC comedy Fisk.
It was pointed out that Australia will host the women’s Asian Cup next year.
“Oh god. The Asian Cup,” Sheargold said. “I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that.
“Got any men’s sport (to talk about)?”
A Triple M statement released on Wednesday evening confirmed Sheargold, whose show did not air on Wednesday, would be leaving the network.
“Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,” SCA Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said in a statement.
“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”
Sheargold issued an apology to the Matildas, as well as Triple M staff.
“Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments,” he said.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
An earlier statement shared by his employers and attributed to Sheargold said: “Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise.”
Southern Cross Austereo added: “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas – made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February – 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 are sorry for any offence caused.”
The audio was widely shared on social media by Hockeyroo Ambrosia Malone.
“I had to censor this myself because the audio was so horrendous,” she said.
“I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world.
“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.
“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 midfielder Clare Wheeler commented on Malone’s Instagram post with “Sport is for everyone and these views are for no one,” adding a vomit emoji.
Alex Chidiac, a member of the Matildas 2023 World Cup squad, wrote “so sick of this shit”.
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni also criticised Sheargold’s comments, admitting his side haven’t performed well.
Caitlin Foord. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
“That one certainly did cross the line; it was completely unnecessary and generally outrageous,” he said.
“It’s something that from a behavioural perspective, is really very disappointing. The comments just crossed the line and were basically out of order and very unnecessary.
“You don’t mind (criticism). Our team is a high-profile team and being a high-profile team you take criticism and create criticism, sometimes near to the edge and sometimes it goes over the edge and those comments did that.”
Sheargold is no stranger to drama. He left the AFL Grand Final in 2023 at halftime amidst accusations he made homophobic slurs, and stood down from Triple M for several months while he dealt with his alcohol issues.
Football Australia released a statement on Wednesday condemning Sheargold’s statements.
Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the CommBank 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 CommBank 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 CommBank 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.
With just 12 months to go until Australia hosts the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, we look forward to building on the incredible story of the CommBank Matildas and continuing to elevate women’s football. This tournament will provide another platform to showcase women’s football and further inspire future generations.
Football Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to equality, diversity, and ensuring that the next generation of women and girls in football see a sport that values and respects them.
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.
