Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold has been slammed for controversial comments he made on-air about the Matildas football team and women’s sport, with many fans calling for him to be sacked.
The comedian and actor was speaking on The Marty Sheargold Show on Monday, hours after the Matildas had been defeated 2-1 by the USA in the SheBelieves Cup.
The result came just three days after the Matildas were embarrassed in a 4-0 tournament-opening loss to Japan, which interim coach Tom Sermanni described as ‘un-Australian’.
Fellow show host Troy Ellis brought up the topic and Sheargold gave his two cents on the national team.
‘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.
Marty Sheargold (pictured) is in hot water for controversial comments he made on-air about the Matildas football team and women’s sport
Sheargold said there was ‘something wrong’ with the Matildas and that they remind him of Year 10 girls (Sam Kerr pictured with partner Kristie Mewis)
‘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 a**e.’
His co-hosts tried to continue discussing the SheBelieves Cup when Sheargold jumped in, exclaiming: ‘Oh, she believes in what? It better be men’.
On the topic of Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis, Sheargold asked, ‘do they play the same position?’
The conversation then moved to Australia hosting 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?’
Sheargold’s comments about women’s sport sparked a fierce reaction on social media
Listeners have branded the comments from Sheargold ‘disgusting’ and ’embarrassing’ as he attacked the national team (pictured, Matildas star Mary Fowler)
His comments sparked a fierce reaction on social media, with many people calling for him to be fired.
Another commenter on X wrote: ‘Disgusting he is a pos and should be sacked.’
‘Sorry you took offence at my poor attempt at comedy’ is not an apology and it is disgraceful that Marty Sheargold is still employed by @TripleMMelb after his misogynistic rant,’ added a third.
‘His sexist and homophobia shouldn’t be allowed airtime in 2025,’ wrote another sports fan who wants Sheargold removed from his job.
‘Marty Sheargold, count your days. This is one of the worst things I’ve heard said on radio in a long time,’ added another, who also listed several broadcasting rules she claimed the DJ had breached with his comments.
Australian Olympic hockey player Rosie Malone writing: ‘I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world’ on a TikTok post about the outburst.
‘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??’
Malone’s post sparked more outrage among her followers, with some saying they were contacting the broadcaster as they believed his comments had broken broadcasting rules.
‘Complaint sent to Triple M, sick of hearing his horrific takes across multiple platforms,’ one user replied, with several others also adding they have contacted the broadcaster in an effort to have Sheargold punished.
‘For anyone wondering, these were the rules of the code breached: 2.1.4, 2.2, 3.1.1, 3.1.3,’ another added.
‘Disgusting. Can’t believe they think this is OK to air,’ posted another commenter.
‘Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording,’ said a third.
‘Does Marty talk to his partner and children about women like this?’ replied another.
Triple J host, and girlfriend of footy star Darcy Moore, Dee Salmin, commented: ‘how f**king embarrassing’.
On Wednesday morning, both Triple M and Sheargold issued apologies.
‘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,’ Sheargold said in a statement.
A statement from Triple M said, ‘Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas made on 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 sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused.’
Sheargold made headlines following the 2023 AFL grand final after allegedly making a number of offensive comments to other guests while watching the game from a corporate box.
