Triple M has parted ways with presenter Marty Sheargold after furore over comments he made about Matildas
Comedian and radio presenter Marty Sheargold has agreed to ‘part ways’ with Triple M after a furore followed his disparaging comments on the Matildas and women’s sport.
Marty Sheargold has been forced out of Triple M after a furious response to disparaging and misogynistic comments on the Matildas and women’s sport.
Triple M’s The Marty Sheargold Show was due to air its usual 3pm AEDT timeslot in NSW and Queensland on Wednesday, but was replaced by music.
The station and Sheargold released a statement late on Wednesday confirming he is leaving Triple M, effective immediately.
Sheargold had sparked the controversy during Monday’s program and podcast when discussing the Matildas’ two losses so far in the SheBelieves Cup in the US, where they are due to play their third game on Thursday.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold said on Monday’s show.
“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.
“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 ---e.”
The 53-year-old “sincerely apologised” in a statement released by the 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 said Sheargold’s comments “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.”
The comments invoked a furious response from Football Australia and other sporting organisations.
His Triple M colleague and champion Olympic swimmer Liesel Jones also reacted angrily.
“The comments are so hurtful against women’s sport that The Marty Sheargold Show shared,” Jones said.
“I’ve been quite upset all morning, and I was upset when I came in. I’ve been on and off the show all morning.”