- Mocked the Matildas on live radio with Triple M in February
- Lashed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority
- Sheargold later stated his attempt at comedy ‘missed the mark’
Australia’s radio industry watchdog has slammed Triple M over derogatory comments made by disgraced presenter Marty Sheargold about the Matildas.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on Thursday found four Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) stations – including Triple M Sydney – breached decency rules due to Sheargold’s now infamous comments about the nation’s most popular sporting team.
In February, Sheargold claimed on his show the Matildas were behaving like ‘Year 10 girls’ and he would ‘rather hammer a nail through the head of (his) p**is’ than watch women’s sport.
He also asked: ‘Got any men’s sport?’
The actor and comedian, 53, made the remarks as he reacted to Matildas’ 2-1 loss to the USWNT at the SheBelieves Cup, which followed a 4-0 loss to Japan to open the tournament.
ACMA found the deeply sexist comments from Sheargold were expressed in a demeaning and sarcastic tone – as well as demonstrating a ‘level of contempt and disdain’ for women.
Australia’s radio industry watchdog has slammed Triple M over derogatory comments made by disgraced presenter Marty Sheargold about the Matildas which resulted in his sacking
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found multiple Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) stations breached decency rules following Sheargold’s comments (pictured, Matildas star Mary Fowler)
Sheargold made the remarks in February as he reacted to Matildas’ 2-1 loss to the USA (pictured) at the SheBelieves Cup, which followed a 4-0 loss to Japan to open the tournament
‘The offensive themes were then exacerbated by the host referring to his genitalia in a further degrading comment about women’s sport,’ ACMA said in its ruling.
The watchdog is also considering enforcement action against SCA for the breaches.
Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said Sheargold’s comments were completely unacceptable.
‘Even if the comments were an extremely ill-judged attempt at humour, a reasonable listener would have found them offensive and to have crossed the line,’ she said.
‘Sexist comments like this don’t belong in Australian broadcasting.’
Football Australia felt Sheargold’s 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.’
‘All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect afforded to their male counterparts,’ a statement read.
Triple M and Sheargold soon parted ways amid the intense fallout.
He later issued an apology for his remarks, stating: ‘Any comedy including mine can miss the mark sometimes.
‘I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise.’
