Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold forced to apologise over ‘misogynistic and sexist’ Matildas rant

Australian comedian, actor and radio host Marty Sheargold has apologised after being slammed for “misogynistic and sexist” comments during a bizarre on-air rant against the Matildas.

The Aussie women are currently in the United States playing in the SheBelieves Cup, a four-team tournament that also includes Japan, America and Colombia.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sheargold officially out of office.

The opening two games haven’t gone to plan for the nationally adored Matildas, who are third on the table with no wins and two losses, having been below their best under interim coach Tom Sermanni.

Just hours after the team’s most recent loss against the US on Monday, Triple M’s The Marty Sheargold Show discussed their results in a sport bulletin.

“In football, or soccer, it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” co-host Will Ralston said.

Barely letting Ralston finish his sentence, Sheargold interjected with his first dig at the team, in which he reflected poorly on their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup performance.

Not only was his assessment of their historic campaign on home soil two years ago harsh — it was also factually incorrect.

“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” he said.

“They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.”

For the record, that was wrong; they made past the quarters and into the semis, where they lost to England.

“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold went on, to the score of laughter from his co-hosts.

“All the infighting and all the friendship issues: ‘The coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a b****’.

“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.”

Unfathomably, it only got worse from there.

Attempting to explain the context of the tournament, Ralston went on: “So, we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.”

Again, barging in though, Sheargold yelled: “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”

After a brief conversation about injured Matildas skipper Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis, Ralston tried once again to move the conversation along.

“We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around,” he said.

Sheargold’s response was vile.

“Oh god, the Asian Cup — I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that,” he claimed, again to the laughter of his co-hosts.

“Got any men’s sport?”

Ralston then moved to the next story in his bulletin, which revolved around American men’s baseball.

“Now this is a good story,” Sheargold said.

The horrific exchange on Triple M emerged when Hockeyroos star Rosie Malone posted a clipped version of it to social media.

“I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world,” she said.

“I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5.30pm) on the way to training and all I could think about was the young girls sitting in the car with their parents, maybe on the way to or from their own training sessions hearing this.

“I’m sure many of them would have been hurt and confused … I was in disbelief.

“This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio??? HOW??”

“I’d name the station and speaker, but I don’t want to reward their behaviour with publicity.”

It’s safe to say the comments are not going down well with outraged people on social media, who have voiced their incredulity and disgust at Sheargold.

“This is so far beyond disgusting I don’t have the proper words. It’s 2025. If there’s any accountability left in this world then heads should roll,” one said.

“Man. Really disappointing from Marty Sheargold, talk radio is becoming an absolute stain on Australian media. Disgracefully sexist comments that as pointed out previously could have been heard by thousands of young girls on their way to soccer training,” another added.

“Marty Sheargold, count your days. This is one of the worst things I’ve heard said on radio in a long time,” footy podcaster Polly Porridge said.

There are countless comments of the same sentiment.

Journalist Alex Thomas said: “Utterly disgusting from Marty Sheargold. And disgraceful that his producer or Triple M didn’t pull him up on it. This wouldn’t have been funny 30 years ago let alone now. Classless, sexist and out of touch!”

Someone else added: “There is a clear difference between constructive criticism and straight up misogynistic and sexist comments. Marty Sheargold should be ashamed.”

One person also noticed Triple M had gone to ground in the aftermath of the comments being posted online.

“After the sexist and racist comments were made on the Marty Sheargold Show regarding the Matildas, rather than taking accountability for their actions they’ve decided to switch off the comments on their Instagram after they were called out for those remarks. Not a good look,” football fanatic Nic Rojas noticed.

Responding on Wednesday morning, both Triple M and Sheargold issued apologies in a statement on social media.

“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments regarding the Matildas,” Sheargold said.

“I sincerely apolgise, Marty.”

Triple M added: “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas made on Triple M Drive on Monday 24th February do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports.

“We sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused.”