Following misogynistic remarks regarding Australia's women's football team, the Matildas, radio presenter Marty Sheargold has been removed from Triple M. His comments sparked outrage, prompting an apology and calling for reflection within the media on representation in women's sports.
Australian Radio Host Exits After Controversial Remarks on Women's Football
Australian Radio Host Exits After Controversial Remarks on Women's Football
Marty Sheargold's offensive comments about the Matildas lead to a public backlash and his resignation from Triple M.
An Australian radio show host has been terminated following his derogatory remarks about the nation's women's football team, known as the Matildas. Marty Sheargold made headlines after saying the players reminded him of "year 10 girls" and belittling the excitement of their matches during a segment on the national radio station Triple M. His comments sparked outrage as they were deemed both offensive and disrespectful.
Sheargold initially apologized on Wednesday for his comments, which were made during a live show. However, he was absent from his scheduled airtime later that day. The parent company of Triple M, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), confirmed that Sheargold and the station had mutually agreed to part ways.
In his statement, Sheargold expressed regret for the impact of his words: "I fully understand the gravity of my remarks and would like to sincerely apologize to the Matildas and the broader organization." SCA emphasized its commitment to maintaining standards that reflect the expectations of its listeners and clients.
The Australian women's football team, who gained national acclaim after their remarkable journey to the semi-finals in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, were the subject of Sheargold's controversial comments during discussions about their recent performance in the SheBelieves Cup. His co-hosts laughed at his remarks, which he made while trivializing the Matildas' achievements.
Sport Minister Anika Wells criticized Sheargold’s statements as "boorish, boring, and wrong," highlighting the Matildas' impressive viewership ratings which showcased their ascent in Australian sports. Olympian Ambrosia Malone also condemned Sheargold’s remarks on social media, emphasizing the detrimental effect such comments can have on young girls who look up to female athletes.
Football Australia expressed disappointment over the incident, urging a collective responsibility among media figures to promote respectful dialogues around women's sports. This controversy serves as a wake-up call regarding the ongoing need for respect and acknowledgment of female athletes in the sporting landscape.
