Marty Sheargold, a host on Triple M, has issued an apology for his derogatory remarks about Australia's women's football team, the Matildas, which were criticized as disrespectful and misogynistic. The backlash highlights ongoing concerns regarding media representation of women's sports.
Australian Radio Host Faces Backlash for Misogynistic Remarks on Women's Football
Australian Radio Host Faces Backlash for Misogynistic Remarks on Women's Football
Presenter Marty Sheargold's comments during a live broadcast about the Matildas have sparked outrage, prompting apologies from both him and his radio network.
A presenter on Australia’s major radio network has landed in hot water for disparaging remarks about the national women's football team, known as the Matildas. Marty Sheargold's comments during a live segment have been condemned as misogynistic, leading to widespread criticism from listeners and sports organizations alike.
On his show on Triple M, Sheargold compared the Matildas to "year 10 girls," suggesting that their matches were uninteresting and filled with drama. His statements came after Australia's recent loss to the US in the SheBelieves Cup and stirred outrage for undermining the achievements of a team that recently reached the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.
Following the incident, Football Australia expressed its disappointment, stating that comments like Sheargold's undermine the significant accomplishments of the Matildas, who captivated the nation during their World Cup run. In a response on Wednesday, Sheargold acknowledged that his humor may have gone too far and apologized for any offense his comments caused.
During the show, Sheargold’s remarks included, “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." His comment was met with laughter from co-hosts, but soon after provoked outrage among listeners and advocates for women's sports.
Triple M’s parent company, Southern Cross Austereo, issued a statement declaring that Sheargold's comments did not reflect their values and offered an apology for any offense caused. The station’s management reiterated their support for both women's and men's sports.
Government officials also weighed in, with Minister for Sport Anika Wells calling the remarks “boorish, boring, and wrong.” She highlighted the significant viewership of the Matildas' matches, reinforcing the growing popularity of women's sports in Australia.
Australian Olympian Ambrosia Malone criticized the impact of Sheargold's comments on young girls involved in sports, expressing concern for their emotional well-being hearing such remarks on mainstream radio.
Football Australia emphasized the responsibility that media figures hold in fostering positive dialogue about women’s sports and their athletes, reminding all involved about the need for constructive conversations around such topics.
