Marty Sheargold, the beleaguered host of Triple M's afternoon radio show, has found himself embroiled in controversy following his inflammatory remarks about the Matildas, Australia’s women’s national football team. Sheargold’s comments — which many have labeled sexist and derogatory — were made during his program on February 26, 2025, amid the Matildas' participation at the SheBelieves Cup.
During the segment, Sheargold made several provocative statements, stating, “There’s something wrong with the Matildas.” He wrongly asserted they hadn't reached the quarter-finals during their run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup — they had, in fact, made it to the semi-finals. He then compared the athletes to “Year 10 girls,” belittling the team by saying, “All the infighting and all the friendship issues.” He added, “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.”
The backlash to his remarks was swift and severe. That day, social media buzzed with outrage, and prominent Australian athletes voiced their condemnation. Hockey player Rosie Malone posted on Instagram, expressing disbelief over the acceptability of such language on mainstream radio during prime time. “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world,” she said. “I’m sure many of [the young girls] would have been hurt and confused...This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio?? HOW??”
Sheargold’s alarming comments continued with his disparaging remarks about the SheBelieves Cup, stating, “Oh, she believes in what? It’s got to be men” and declaring he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch [the Women’s Asian Cup].” Such vitriol sparked outrage not just among listeners but prompted responses from major sporting institutions, including Football Australia. The organization released a statement, expressing disappointment and highlighting the detrimental effects of Sheargold’s words on the perception of women’s sport.
“Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M,” the statement read. “Such remarks not only diminish the extraordinary achievements of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognize their contributions to Australian sport.” They emphasized the importance of how media portrays women athletes, stating these discussions shape public perception and sentiment toward women's sports.
Sheargold’s co-hosts, Troy Ellis and Will Ralston, also faced criticism, with the show failing to air as usual after the incident—an indication of the backlash. Instead of their regular programming, Triple M filled the slot with music and commercials. The radio station later addressed the incident with apologies both from Sheargold and its executives. “Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes,” Sheargold stated. “I sincerely apologize.” Triple M supported Sheargold but also distanced itself from his remarks, declaring, “We are sorry for any offence caused.”
Despite the apology, many deemed it inadequate and indicative of Sheargold’s failure to take full responsibility for his comments. Critics, including former Matildas star Clare Wheeler and swimming legend Libby Trickett, condemned his remarks as “misogynistic” and “offensive.” Trickett tweeted, “I’m livid. It’s 2025 and this isn’t funny.” The outrage culminated with calls for Sheargold’s dismissal from Triple M, with sports fans and other critics vocalizing their discontent across various platforms.
Social media saw numerous users calling Sheargold’s comments indefensible and calling out the media for allowing such language to persist. Criticism extended beyond women’s sports allies; even federal officials joined the fray. Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells labeled Sheargold's words “boorish, boring, and wrong,” asserting, “The comments just crossed the line and were basically out of order and very unnecessary.”
While the Matildas were absorbing the hits from their recent matches at the SheBelieves Cup, where they faced defeats against Japan and the USA, this incident with Sheargold bombarded the team with unwarranted negativity at a time when they were hoping to rally support for women's sports.
The incident serves not just as another moment of controversy for Sheargold, which has reportedly included previous indiscretions, but as a larger conversation about misogyny and its persistent existence within sports commentary. When the Matildas made their run to the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, they captured the hearts of many Australians, exemplifying the potential for women’s sports to inspire. Sheargold’s comments, seen by many as dismissive and trivializing, stand starkly opposed to those collective efforts to normalize and celebrate women’s achievements.
Calls for concrete change resonate strongly within the sporting community as discussions continue about the treatment of women athletes, from journalists to broadcasters, reinforcing the necessity of respectful portrayal. Sheargold's fall from grace highlights not just individual accountability but also the broader systemic changes needed to protect the dignity of athletes. Whether or not punitive measures will follow remains to be seen, but this incident marks another chapter of accountability and awareness necessary for cultivating positive sports culture.