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Marty Sheargold cut from Triple M following Matildas comments

Triple M has made a call on Marty Sheargold’s future at the station following his “disgusting” comments about the Matildas.

"Angry" Project star slams Marty Sheargold comments

WARNING: This article contains language that some readers may find offensive

Under fire radio personality Marty Sheargold has been cut from Triple M following an enormous backlash to his comments about the Matildas and women’s sport.

Triple M’s The Marty Sheargold Show was due to commence at its usual 3pm AEDT timeslot in NSW and Queensland on Wednesday.

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But Sheargold, along with co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston, did not take to the air, with the show only playing music and running ads, one of which has featured the embattled host.

The segment in question on the Matildas from Monday’s show has also been removed from the podcast, with Football Australia and the Australian Sports Commission among the organisations blasting the comments.

The station and Sheargold released a statement late on Wednesday confirming he is leaving Triple M, effective immediately.

“Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways,” Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) chief content officer Dave Cameron said in the statement.

Listen to part of the comments in the video player below.

Radio hosts slammed for misogynistic comments on Matildas

“Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.

“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”

The statement went on to “acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years and we wish him well for the future”.

In the same statement, Sheargold said: “Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments.

“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”

Sheargold came under fire after voicing his disinterest in the Australian women’s team and women’s sport in general, with the radio host’s remarks labelled “a f**king joke”.

The Matildas, Australia’s wildly popular national football side, are in the United States competing in the annual SheBelieves Cup along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation.

The Matildas competing against the US in the SheBelieves Cup in Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images via AFP)
The Matildas competing against the US in the SheBelieves Cup in Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images via AFP)

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.

But when the Triple M program and podcast, The Marty Sheargold Show, began discussing the Tillies’ results in the tournament on Monday afternoon, the host took the opportunity to express his feelings towards the team.

The station has been flooded with complaints after the comments were posted on social media late on Tuesday.

The discussion between Sheargold and co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston began with Ralston mentioning the tournament to date.

“In football or soccer it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” Ralston said.

Sheargold immediately jumped in with the following rant, including downplaying – unintentionally or otherwise – the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup on home soil.

“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.

The Matildas following their loss to the United States on Tuesday. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images via AFP)
The Matildas following their loss to the United States on Tuesday. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images via AFP)

“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.”

Ralston then tried to continue with the sports news bulletin, stating: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.”

Sheargold jumped in, screaming “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men” as more laughter rang out.

After a conversation about Sam Kerr and her partner, American footballer Kristie Mewis, which included Sheargold’s question “do they play the same position?”, Ralston tried again to keep the bulletin moving.

Triple M radio and podcast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple M
Triple M radio and podcast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple M

“We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around,” he said.

Sheargold responded: “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that,” as a sound affect and more laughs were heard.

“Got any men’s sport?”

Ralston replied: “Yeah I do, baseball, the New York Yankees have dropped their 49-year ban on beards, on facial hair.”

“Now this is a good story,” Sheargold responded.

It’s worth noting that when Sheargold began Monday’s show, he started with the message to listeners: “Little ears warning for the following podcast.

“It’s probably not for kids, there’s some adult concepts, not just today, every day.

“Buyer beware as they say.”

Kristie Mewis (left) and Sam Kerr were also discussed on the program. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)
Kristie Mewis (left) and Sam Kerr were also discussed on the program. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)

The 53-year-old responded to the backlash on social media in a statement released by the iconic radio network.

“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 Southern Cross Austereo, Triple M’s parent company, 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,” FA’s statement began.

“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.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson’s organisation has slammed the comments. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Football Australia CEO James Johnson’s organisation has slammed the comments. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“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.”

Marty Sheargold and Mary Fowler. Photo: Triple M and Mark King, Getty Images.
Marty Sheargold and Mary Fowler. Photo: Triple M and Mark King, Getty Images.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) also released a statement on Wednesday afternoon slamming Sheargold’s comments.

“The ASC is disappointed that athletes and women in sport still have to deal with these derogatory comments,” it read.

“Our Australian athletes are incredible role models who inspire men, women, boys and girls from all walks of life.

“The sports system is united by the win well ethos which is built around putting the wellbeing of people first. The sector will not allow comments like this to undo the hard work done by generations of women in sport.”

Sheargold only returned to the airwaves late last year after a high-profile end to his previous morning show on Triple M in late 2023.

The broadcaster and actor announced at the time he was taking an extended break to spend more time with family and “prioritise self-care (and) maintaining a better work/life balance”.

After a period of sobriety, Sheargold hit the headlines following a drunken incident at the 2023 AFL grand final, leading to his decision to step away from the spotlight.

Tokyo Olympian Ambrosia Malone posted some of the comments on social media. Picture: Alex Coppel.
Tokyo Olympian Ambrosia Malone posted some of the comments on social media. Picture: Alex Coppel.

While Sheargold’s comments originally flew under the radar, they came to light after Olympic hockey player Rosie Malone posted part of it on TikTok with the following caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world.”

Malone originally wrote: “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??”

She added: “I’d name the station and speaker, but I don’t want to reward their behaviour with publicity.”

There was a strong reaction on the platform, with many stating the same disbelief at the comments and asking for the station to be named.

“It’s worth lodging a complaint about this,” was one reply. “If you provide the station and time then I’m sure a few people would be interested in also lodging a complaint.”

Another wrote: “Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording.”

“This CAN’T be real,” added a third.

After the station and host was added to the comments, a vast number confirmed they had lodged a complaint with Triple M.

Another person commented: “What an awful human.”

One offered: “Disgusting. Can’t believe they think this is OK to air.”

A third asked: “What station was this? This is wild, scary and terrifying that grown men with a platform and audience talk like this.”

Another declared: “What a f**king disgusting joke. You cannot seriously be saying that on live radio.”

Originally published as Marty Sheargold cut from Triple M following Matildas comments

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/triple-ms-marty-sheargold-blasted-over-disgusting-matildas-comments/news-story/65082c49f3934240dafffe036fa4f642