Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has announced that Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually parted ways, following a firestorm of outrage over the radio host’s vile comments about the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team.
The controversy has ignited widespread condemnation, forcing the network to confront the fallout from Sheargold’s derogatory remarks.
SCA’s Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, addressed the situation on Wednesday, stating, “Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways.
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously, and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.
Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff. A new Drive show will be announced in due course. Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future.”
Marty Sheargold also addressed the incident, offering a personal apology: “Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments. I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
The controversy erupted after Sheargold made disparaging remarks during his Monday afternoon radio show. Discussing the Matildas’ performances at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States, Sheargold, alongside co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston, made several offensive comments. In a shocking moment, he said he would rather “hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch” women’s soccer, later asking, “Got any men’s sport?”
The comments continued to escalate as Sheargold likened the Matildas to “Year 10 girls,” accusing them of “infighting” and “friendship issues.” His remarks were quickly condemned by listeners, media personalities, and public figures alike.
Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells was one of the first to speak out, calling Sheargold’s comments “boorish, boring, [and] wrong,” emphasising the extraordinary success of women’s sport in Australia. “Australia’s most-watched television event ever was the Matildas’ World Cup semi-final,” Wells pointed out, underscoring the growing recognition and respect for female athletes in the country.
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni also expressed his disappointment, saying the comments were “completely unnecessary and generally outrageous.” He added, “As sporting teams, we’re used to criticisms – but sometimes the comments cross the line and that one certainly did cross the line. It was firstly completely unnecessary and generally outrageous. And you know, it’s something that just from a behavioural perspective is really, very, very disappointing.”
The fallout was swift, with Sheargold absent from his usual Triple M slot on Wednesday afternoon. Instead of his show, listeners heard back-to-back music. His absence, following the scandal, only intensified speculation about his future at the network.
Social media also exploded with reactions, as many high-profile figures in Australian sport weighed in. Hockeyroo Ambrosia Malone posted an excerpt of Sheargold’s remarks on Instagram, expressing concern over the impact of such comments on young listeners, especially girls who are involved in sports. Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler and Alex Chidiac, both members of the 2023 World Cup squad, also expressed their frustration, with Chidiac writing, “So sick of this s***.”
In response to the outrage, Triple M issued a statement on their Instagram, apologising for Sheargold’s remarks and distancing themselves from his views. “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas made on Triple M Drive on Monday 24 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,” the statement read. Sheargold later issued an apology, acknowledging that his humour had missed the mark and caused offence.
The controversy also sparked criticism from Football Australia, which condemned Sheargold’s remarks as an affront to the achievements of the Matildas. “Such remarks not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society,” a spokesperson from the organisation stated.
Adding to the emotional toll, Sheargold’s colleague, Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones, became visibly emotional on air as she responded to the criticism. “The comments are so hurtful against women’s sport,” she said, choking back tears. “It’s a very tricky position to be put in when Triple M is my place of employment … obviously, I love working on the show and I find it incredibly challenging to be put in a position where I become the unofficial spokesperson for women in sport.”
The Australian Sports Commission also condemned Sheargold’s comments, stating, “We are disappointed that athletes and women in sport still have to deal with these derogatory comments… The sector will not allow comments like this to undo the hard work done by generations of women in sport.”
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about the responsibility of media personalities and platforms in shaping public attitudes toward women in sport. As the backlash continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for respect and inclusivity in the world of sports media.
