Marty Sheargold, a radio host on Australia's Triple M, has issued an apology for comments he made on air that many deemed misogynistic, reflecting poorly on the achievements of the national women's football team, the Matildas.
Australian Radio Host Faces Backlash for Misogynistic Comments About Women's Football
Australian Radio Host Faces Backlash for Misogynistic Comments About Women's Football
Presenter Marty Sheargold draws criticism for disrespectful remarks about the Matildas during a live radio show.
In a live segment, Sheargold made disparaging remarks about the Matildas, comparing them to "year 10 girls" and suggesting their games were dull. Football Australia condemned the comments as "unacceptable" and "deeply disappointing," emphasizing that such remarks undermine the team's hard-fought victories, including their semi-final appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Sheargold's comments came during a discussion regarding Australia's losses in the SheBelieves Cup. His remarks included mockery of female athletes and disbelief over the presence of women's football tournaments. In response to the backlash, he released a statement acknowledging the offense caused and clarified that his humor sometimes misses the mark.
Triple M's parent company, Southern Cross Austereo, also condemned the comments, affirming support for all sports while distancing itself from Sheargold's remarks. Australia’s Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, criticized the host's comments as “boorish, boring and wrong,” while noting the record-breaking television viewership for the Matildas during the World Cup.
Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone expressed concern over the impact of such comments on young girls aspiring to play sports, highlighting the responsibility media figures hold in promoting a respectful dialogue surrounding women's athletics. Football Australia reiterated the importance of constructive conversations about female sports and their participants in light of these incidents.
Sheargold's comments came during a discussion regarding Australia's losses in the SheBelieves Cup. His remarks included mockery of female athletes and disbelief over the presence of women's football tournaments. In response to the backlash, he released a statement acknowledging the offense caused and clarified that his humor sometimes misses the mark.
Triple M's parent company, Southern Cross Austereo, also condemned the comments, affirming support for all sports while distancing itself from Sheargold's remarks. Australia’s Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, criticized the host's comments as “boorish, boring and wrong,” while noting the record-breaking television viewership for the Matildas during the World Cup.
Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone expressed concern over the impact of such comments on young girls aspiring to play sports, highlighting the responsibility media figures hold in promoting a respectful dialogue surrounding women's athletics. Football Australia reiterated the importance of constructive conversations about female sports and their participants in light of these incidents.
