Politicians Weigh in After Radio Host Sacked For Joking About the Quality of Woman’s Soccer

Trinity Rodman (5) of Team United States controls the ball during the Women's Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Aug. 10, 2024. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

An Australian radio presenter has been cut from his station after making remarks about the Australian women’s soccer side, with one minister saying he had taken the country back to the 1970s.

Former Triple M host Marty Sheargold sparked outrage during a radio broadcast on Feb. 24 when he likened the Matildas to “Year 10 girls” and dismissed women’s soccer altogether.

“Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your [expletive],” he said.

Sheargold later said he'd rather “hammer a nail through the head of my [expletive] than watch the upcoming women’s Asian Cup.”

“Got any men’s sport?” he said.

Marty Sheargold (C) and Fifi Box (L) who previously worked together at Triple M radio at the Austereo studios in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 6, 2007. Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images

Political and Sporting Backlash

The comments triggered a growing chorus of politicians and sportspeople, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“It’s just not funny, it’s offensive,” he said.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 16, 2024. Tracey Nearmy/Pool/Getty Images

“The ‘Tillies are just legends, they performed so well to get to the semis in the World Cup, but even if they didn’t, so what? They were doing their best.”

The leader then went on to describe the role of women in Australian sports, noting the majority of medals won for Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics were by female athletes.

“The Matildas have been more successful historically than our men’s team,” he said.

The Labor leader also referred to veteran cricketer Ellyse Perry, who he said was the greatest cricketer Australia had produced.

Labor MP Chris Bowen that while Sheargold had made him laugh over the years, his comments were not acceptable.

“This was just way out of line, and it was very 1970s,” he said.

“Women’s sport is real, it’s fantastic to watch.

“He’s made a big mistake here, and he’s paying the consequences, as he should.”

Nationals Leader David Littleproud said he believed in free speech, but also responsibility.

“I think we should look as a society and see that there has been uniform disdain for what has been said and it shows that our society still works and that there are standards that we expect of people,” he said.

“... particularly those that have platforms to be able to express them, to do it responsibly and I think it’s great to see that the whole country has basically said ’mate, you’re out of touch, get out of the way' and Triple M’s done the right thing and got rid of him.”

Matildas captain Steff Catley also weighed in, acknowledging that while both Sheargold and Triple M had apologised, the comments were “completely unacceptable.”