Marty Sheargold, the controversial Australian radio host, was dismissed from Triple M following his disparaging remarks about the Matildas, Australia’s women’s soccer team. The incident has ignited significant backlash from the public and prominent figures alike, highlighting the deep-rooted issues of misogyny within the discourse surrounding women’s sports.
On February 26, 2025, during his popular weekday show, Sheargold drew parallels between the Matildas and 'year 10 girls,' attributing those comparisons to alleged infighting and immature behavior among the players. "I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that's what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse," he claimed, dismissively belittling the achievements of the team. His comments sparked immediate outrage across social media and mainstream media outlets.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Sheargold's remarks, describing them as "shocking," "completely unacceptable," and "offensive." Speaking on Nova radio, Albanese voiced his support for the Matildas, emphasizing their historic successes and contributions to Australian sports. "The 'Tillies are just legends," he stated, clearly positioning himself against the stereotypes Sheargold propagated.
Libby Trickett, a four-time Olympic champion, expressed her feelings of "pure rage" upon hearing the comments. During her appearance on ABC News Breakfast, she called the nature of the comments "incredibly disappointing" and reflected on the alarming cultural attitudes displayed during the prime time slot of Sheargold's show. "It creates another obstacle for children... particularly for young girls who might be heading to sports training," she lamented, highlighting the negative impact such remarks could have on young athletes.
Former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri also reacted strongly, finding both disappointment and solace amid the responses. "This happened about 10 years ago where... we kind of had to fight this rhetoric online with no one there to support us," Barbieri said, illustrating how public sentiments have shifted over time. She noted the lack of support from previous generations and appreciated the current fervor to advocate for women’s sports, deeming it heartening and inspiring.
Even figures from outside the sports arena expressed outrage. Cate Campbell, Olympic swimmer, pointed out the remarkable achievements of female athletes, asserting, "We won 18 gold medals, 13 of them were won by women," during her interview on the Today show. Her comments served as both acknowledgment of female athletes' hard work and as a rebuttal to Sheargold's dismissive remarks.
The immediate fallout led Triple M to sever ties with Sheargold, who later issued an apology for his comments, acknowledging the gravity of his remarks. "I fully understand the gravity of my comments. I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organization," he stated. This move reflects the radio network’s efforts to realign its programming with the values and expectations of its audience.
While Sheargold's comments may seem personally damaging to him, the conversation they have sparked reveals broader cultural attitudes toward women’s sports. The backlash against his remarks also showcases the current climate of support for women athletes, reflecting significant progress made over the years, especially following successful international events like the Women’s World Cup.
Trickett eloquently addressed how misogynistic attitudes and remarks like Sheargold’s are detrimental not only to professional athletes but also to youth engagement in sports. "We want to continue and celebrate and lift young women up in sport," she declared, advocating for increased focus on nurturing future generations of female athletes.
The sentiments expressed — from accountability by higher-ups like Albanese and Campbell to grassroots reactions by athletes themselves — signify a rejection of outdated views. Through discussions catalyzed by this incident, there is hope for lasting change within the sports community and the cultural mindset surrounding women’s participation.
Traditionally, women athletes have faced significant barriers to recognition and support, but continued dialogue and challenges against disrespect allow for necessary evolution. The public reaction to Sheargold not only condemns his views but also serves as evidence of changing perceptions around women’s sports.
Moving forward, the light shined upon these issues can motivate systemic reforms, encouraging stronger representation for women within the sports sector. With this kind of support, moments like this can pave the way for future success stories, nurturing both professional athletes and everyday girls who aspire to thrive within the world of sports.