Radio Host Faces Backlash for Misogynistic Comments about Women’s Football
A prominent radio presenter in Australia has issued an apology after making comments about the national women’s football team that have been widely criticized as misogynistic. Marty Sheargold likened Matildas players to “year 10 girls” and implied that their matches were dull.
These remarks, aired on Triple M, were condemned by Football Australia, who described them as “unacceptable” and deeply disappointing. They emphasized that such comments undermine the remarkable accomplishments of a team that reached the semi-finals in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Apology and Response
On Wednesday, Sheargold released a brief statement acknowledging the offense he caused, saying, “Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes… I sincerely apologize.” He is expected to address the controversy on air in a follow-up segment.
During his drivetime show on Monday, Sheargold made the controversial remarks while discussing Australia’s recent defeats in the SheBelieves Cup. He referred to the team dynamics, commenting, “All the infighting and all the friendship issues… Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it.”
Public and Institutional Reactions
Sheargold’s comments drew sharp criticism from various sectors. Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of Triple M, stated that his comments do not reflect their values and expressed their unwavering support for women’s sports.
Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, described Sheargold’s statements as “boorish, boring, and wrong,” highlighting the impressive viewership of the Matildas’ matches as proof of their popularity and significance in Australian sports culture.
Critically, Olympian Ambrosia Malone spoke out about the impact of Sheargold’s words on young girls aspiring to play sports, emphasizing the confusion and hurt such comments could inflict on impressionable listeners.
Football Australia remarked that this incident underscores the crucial role media outlets and personalities play in nurturing respectful and constructive discussions surrounding women’s sports and their athletes.
