‘Sick of this s–t’: Fury at host’s low Matildas criticism
Source: TikTok/Rosie Malone
Football Australia has hit back at a leading radio host after his “unacceptable” on-air criticism of the Matildas.
Triple M and host Marty Sheargold have apologised for comments during his show on Monday, in which he said, in part, that he would “would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis” than watch the Matildas play in next year’s Asian Cup.
Sheargold was on air with co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston when he made the remarks during a news bulletin about the Matildas’ recent defeats in the SheBelieves Cup.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas. They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters,” he said of the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup campaign, in which they made the semifinals.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls. All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘The coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a bitch.’
“Now, I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it, so you can stick it up your a–e.”
Sheargold finished off with a question – “Got any men’s sport?”
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The comments drew a swathe of complaints to Triple M. There has also been commentary online, including from former Hockeyroo Rosie Malone. She posted an edited clip of Sheargold’s comments.
“It’s 2025 and something like this is being aired on prime-time radio … disgusting,” Malone said.
“I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world.
“I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time 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??”
Matildas Alex Chidiac and Clare Wheeler were among those to respond to Malone. Chidiac said she was “sick of this s–t” and Wheeler said “sport is for everyone and these views are for no one”.
Other leading Australian sportswomen also weighed in, including Diamonds netballers Gretel Bueta and Bianca Chatfield. Olympian Libby Trickett said she was “livid”.
Football Australia said it was “deeply disappointed by the unacceptable remarks”, and urged more responsible reporting on women’s sport.
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“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,” it said.
“They have broken barriers, set new standards, and elevated the game to unprecedented heights. Their success has been instrumental in transforming women’s sport in Australia, and they deserve to be covered with the respect and professionalism they have earned.”
Sheargold, who also appears on the ABC TV comedy Fisk, apologised through social media on Wednesday.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise,” he said.
A spokesperson for Southern Cross Austereo, Triple M’s parent company, also said: “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas … 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 are sorry for any offence caused.”
Football Australia acknowledged the apology, but said it wasn’t enough.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women’s sport and its participants,” it said.
“Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforces our society’s values toward women and girls in sport.
“All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect afforded to their male counterparts.”
Professional Footballers Australia head Beau Busch said it was “important such ignorance does not go unchecked”.
“Marty’s comments were disgusting, pathetic and deeply misogynistic, showing a complete lack of respect for women’s sport and football as a whole,” he said.
“The rise of women’s football is undeniable, and the Matildas have inspired countless Australians as players and fans. To diminish their achievements — or women’s sport more broadly — is not just insulting but shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the importance of our sport in this country.
“My message to Marty and Triple M: Be better.”
Sheargold returned to Triple M last year after “extended leave” following an incident that led to his eviction from the 2023 AFL grand final. He said he had been “exhausted mentally”.
