‘Disgusting’: Apology torn to shreds after vile Matildas comments
Four words used in the apology issued to Matildas players following radio host Marty Sheargold’s ugly comments have been torn to shreds.
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Radio host Marty Sheargold has been criticised for the public apology he issued after comments made about the Matildas sparked outrage.
Football Australia (FA) on Wednesday condemned the “inappropriate” remarks made by the veteran comedian with Australian football’s governing body declaring the Triple M star’s comments diminished “the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team”.
Sheargold came under fire after voicing his disinterest in the Australian women’s team and women’s sport in general, with the 53-year-old’s remarks labelled “disgusting” and “a f**king joke”.
Sheargold, a regular member of Network 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention show, said during Monday’s edition of The Marty Sheargold Show the women’s national team reminded him of “year 10 girls”.
Among several other comments, Sheargold went on to say: “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.”
Those comments have spread across the internet in the last 24 hours after Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone posted part of the segment on TikTok with a caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world”.
Sheargold released a statement of apology on Wednesday which was distributed by Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Triple M’s parent company.
Four words included in the statement have angered some with complaints made about the use of the term “may have taken offence”.
Listen to part of the comments in the video player below.
“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,” he said.
A spokesperson for SCA also said: “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.”
However, Football Australia (FA) was not satisfied with the apology, releasing a statement on Wednesday morning condemning his comments and demanding change.
“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,” FA’s statement began.
“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.”
There has since been a social media pile on with some Twitter and TikTok users complaining that Sheargold’s apology did not go far enough.
Many TikTok users said they had filed complaints.
Malone’s post has gone viral on with more than 1100 comments, 35000 likes and 380,000 views on TikTok.
Australian sport presenter Sarah Burt was one of several commentators to criticise the apology.
“FYI - An “apology” that essentially says ‘I’m sorry you felt offended by a “joke” I made’ is not ‘I was sexist on a prime time radio show and what I said understandably offended much of the population, I will do better.,” she posted on X.
Burt also posted on her Instagram stories: “Listen to this. Disgusting. We know who this person is that’s saying this, they need to be held to account”.
Roberto Colanzi, a Football Supporters Association Australia general committee member, said more was needed from the apologies made by the network and presenter.
“The thoroughly gross sexist comments by #triplem staff about the #Matildas and women’s #football in general warrant much more than this weak apology.” he posted on X.
One X user posted: “A bulls*** attempt to try to sweep this controversy aside. He didn’t misspeak. That’s who he is”.
Aussie swimming legend Libby Trickett wrote: “I’m livid. It’s 2025 and this isn’t funny.”
Netballer Gretel Bueta commented “Yuck” while Bianca Chatfield left an angry face emoji.
Leading Code Sports football journalist Erin Smith also wrote: “Coming out the next day and issuing an apology doesn’t undo the damage.
“Anyone, regardless of how many people can hear it, should stop and think before they speak.”
Earlier, Matildas players Clare Wheeler and Alex Chidiac became the first players to respond to the comments in public.
Wheeler responded to Malone by writing: “Sport is for everyone and these views are for no one”.
Chidiac wrote: “So sick of this s***”.
The outrage surrounded comments made by Sheargold during a segment with co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston where the Matildas’ disastrous SheBelieves Cup campaign was addressed.
The Matildas, Australia’s wildly popular national football side, are in the United States competing in the tournament along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation.
Australia opened their campaign with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Japan on Friday (AEDT) and then followed up with an improved 2-1 loss to the US three days later.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold began.
“They had that wonderful tournament out here 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,” Sheargold continued, as laughter rang out in the background.
“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.”
It was then brought up that Australia will be the host nation for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, beginning in March next year.
Sheargold said: “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that.
“Got any men’s sport?”
The Matildas next face Colombia on Thursday morning (AEDT).
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