‘Crossed a line’: Matildas hit back over Marty Sheargold’s ugly radio slur

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has hit back at ‘outrageous, unnecessary’ comments from radio star Marty Sheargold, suggesting that the comedian’s comments ‘crossed the line’.

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has hit out at Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold and the comments made about the team – labelling them “outrageous” and “completely unnecessary”.

Sermanni said as with any sporting team, especially national teams, the Matildas were used to criticism.

The coach himself was heavily critical of the side after their 4-0 loss to Japan in the opening round of the SheBelieves Cup earlier this week.

But Sermanni said it far from warranted the language used in a rant by Sheargold.

The comedian, who has since apologised for his comments, compared the Matildas to “Year 10 girls” and said he would rather put a nail in his genitalia than watch women’s football.

“His comments cross the line,” Sermanni said.

Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni. Picture: Getty

“It was completely unnecessary and genuinely outrageous. It is something that just from a behaviour perspective is really very disappointing.

“Our team is a very high profile team and you do take criticism sometimes very near the edge and sometimes that goes over the edge and those comments did that.”

READ MORE: Sheargold departs Triple M amid fallout from ‘disgraceful’ Matildas sledge

Sermanni said the team had put it behind them and was focused on tomorrow’s clash with Colombia.

“Hopefully it is a situation we don’t have to deal with again.”

Triple M breakfast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple M

Football Australia also issued a statement in relation to the comments made.

“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,” it said in its statement.

“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.

Michelle Heyman (L) scored a goal in the defeat to the USA which prompted Sheargold’s rant. Picture: getty

“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.

“All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect afforded to their male counterparts.”

The Professional Footballers Australia chief executive Beau Busch issued a scathing statement on the matter.

“Marty’s comments were disgusting, pathetic and deeply misogynistic, showing a complete lack of respect for women’s sport and football as a whole,” he wrote.

“It is important that such ignorance does not go unchecked.

PFA CEO Beau Busch. Photo: Supplied

“The rise of women’s football is undeniable, and the Matildas have inspired countless Australians as players and fans. To diminish their achievements - or women’s sport more broadly - is not just insulting but shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the importance of our sport in this country.

“This type of commentary panders to the worst kind of women-haters, clinging to outdated stereotypes instead of engaging with the sport on its merits.

“Unlike our inspirational female athletes across the country, he instead sought to drag women’s sport down with cheap and backward rhetoric.

“My message to Marty and Triple M: Be better.”

Sheargold and Triple M both issued a public apology on Wednesday morning.

“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.

Originally published as ‘Crossed a line’: Matildas hit back over Marty Sheargold’s ugly radio slur