Broadcast host draws backlash for 'derogatory comments' about women's national team
Radio personality Marty Sheargold has parted ways with the Triple M network after his "unacceptable comments" about Australia's women's national football team, according to reports.
Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of Triple M, confirmed the split in a statement.
"Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways," said Dave Cameron, SCA's chief content officer, in a statement quoted by ABC News.
"Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously, and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience."
The announcement came after Sheargold received backlash over his comments during his radio programme and podcast, The Marty Sheargold Show, on Monday.
During the show, Sheargold said he would "rather hammer a nail through the head of his penis" than watch the women's national football team, Matildas, in next year's Asian Cup.
He made the comments after the Matildas were beaten by Japan during the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup, and then lost again to the United States three days later.
"There's something wrong with the Matildas," Sheargold also said as quoted by news.com.au. "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."
The comments garnered backlash from listeners, and Football Australia said it is "deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments" made by 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," Football Australia said in a statement.
The Australian Sports Commission also expressed its disappointment over Sheargold's "derogatory comments."
"The sports system is united by the win-well ethos, which is built around putting the wellbeing of people first," said Matti Clements, ASC Executive General Manager, AIS Performance, in a statement. "The sector will not allow comments like this to undo the hard work done by generations of women in sport."
Sheargold issued an apology on Tuesday after his remarks drew backlash online.
"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. I sincerely apologise," he said.
In the same statement, Triple M also said Sheargold's comments do not align with the radio network's views and values.
"Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women's and men's sports," it said. "We sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused."
The segment with Sheargold's comments has been taken out of the podcast, while The Marty Sheargold Show also did not air in its usual 3PM AEDT timeslot in New South Wales and Queensland on Wednesday, news.com.au reported.
The SCA's statement said now is the "moment for reflection and review."
"Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff," it said as quoted by news.com.au.
Sheargold, in the same SCA statement, also reiterated his apology: "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."
Football Australia said they acknowledge the apologies issued by Triple M and Sheargold, but stressed that the incident is a reminder of media outlets' responsibility in fostering respectful discussions about women's sport.
"Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforce our society's values toward women and girls in sport," it said in a statement. "All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect afforded to their male counterparts."
Meanwhile, the governing body added it appreciated the swift response from the SCA.
"[We] hope this leads to meaningful conversations about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of women's football and women's sport in general," its statement read.
