"Disgusting": Radio host slammed over women's sports comments
<p>Triple M host Marty Sheargold has been slammed online for comments he made on-air about the Matildas and women's sport, with many calling him "disgusting" and "a f**king joke". </p>
<p>When the Triple M program and podcast, <em>The Marty Sheargold Show</em>, began discussing the Matildas performance in the annual SheBelieves Cup along in the US along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation.</p>
<p>During their discussion of the competition, Sheargold used the opportunity to rip into the world of women's sport, leaving the radio station flooded with complaints. </p>
<p>The conversation between Sheargold and co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralson began with Ralston mentioning the tournament to date, as he said, “In football or soccer it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” referencing the Tillies' defeat to Japan. </p>
<p>Sheargold immediately jumped in with the following rant, including downplaying the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup on home soil.</p>
<p>“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."</p>
<p>“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold continued, as laughter rang out in the background.</p>
<p>“All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a b***h’. 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.”</p>
<p>Ralston then tried to continue with the sports news bulletin, stating: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.”</p>
<p>Sheargold jumped in, screaming “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men” as more laughter rang out in the studio. </p>
<p>“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,” Ralston said as he tried to continue the sports report. </p>
<p>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, before he added, “Got any men’s sport?”</p>
<p>Ralston replied: “Yeah I do, baseball, the New York Yankees have dropped their 49-year ban on beards, on facial hair,” as Sheargold was quick to comment, “Now this is a good story.”</p>
<p>The sexist exchange came to light after Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone posted part of the on-air clip on TikTok with the caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world."</p>
<p>“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."</p>
<p>“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??”</p>
<p>Many were quick to share their outrage in the comments section, with one person writing, “Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording.”</p>
<p>Another added, “Disgusting. Can’t believe they think this is OK to air,” while someone else simply called Sheargold an "awful human."</p>
<p>In response to the backlash, an SCA spokesperson 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.”</p>
<p>Marty Sheargold also responded to the controversy, saying in a statement, "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.”</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Triple M / Getty Images </em></p>
