Football Australia has hit back at leading Triple M drive-time radio host, Marty Sheargold, after his alleged unacceptable on-air criticism of the Matildas.
Triple M host Marty Sheargold apologised for comments following his show on Monday, February 24, in which he said – in part – that he would “ … would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis,” than watch the Matildas play in next year’s Asian Cup.
Sheargold was on air with co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston when he made the remarks during a news bulletin about the Matildas’ recent defeats in the SheBelieves Cup.
The Triple M producers on the control panels did not use the ‘dump’ button nor switch to ads or music but instead allowed Sheargold’s rant to continue live-to-air as co-hosts could be heard laughing in the background.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas. They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters,” Sheargold said of the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup campaign, in which they made the semifinals.
“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,” Sheargold added.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls. All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘The coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a bitch.”
Triple M Melbourne management this afternoon held a meeting with lawyers, according to a Triple M Melbourne receptionist in Melbourne VicNews spoke to. The outcome of this meeting is not known.
The comments drew a swathe of complaints to Triple M. There has also been commentary online, including from former Hockeyroo Rosie Malone. She posted an edited clip of Sheargold’s comments.
Matildas Alex Chidiac and Clare Wheeler were among those who responded to Malone.
Chidiac said she was “sick of this shit” and Wheeler said: “sport is for everyone and these views are for no one”.
Sheargold finished off his Triple M rant with a question.
“Got any men’s sport?”
Triple M and Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) did not respond to requests for comment.
