February 28 – A well-known Australian radio presenter has lost his job after disparaging comments he made about the country’s women’s football team which have been branded as misogynist and disrespectful.
Known as the Matildas, the team lost their opening two games in the SheBelievesCup in the United States, and their poor performance came under scrutiny from Marty Sheargold.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold said on Triple M, a nationwide broadcaster. “All the infighting and all the friendship issues: ‘The coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a b*tch. 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.”
Sheargold went on to say that he would rather self-harm than watch the team play in next year’s Asian Cup, which Australia will host. “Got any men’s sport?” added Sheargold, who is also a stand-up comedian.
His comments triggered widespread condemnation before both Sheargold and Triple M later apologized for the comments.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments regarding the Matildas,” Sheargold said. “I sincerely apologise.”
Triple M added that 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 sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused.”
Football Australia said it was “deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold.”
“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.”
“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.”
Sheargold did not appear during his usual slot on Triple M radio on Wednesday evening and Triple M parent company Southern Cross Austereo said they had “mutually agreed to part ways.”
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