‘Disgusting’: Australian women’s football team condemn misogynistic comments by radio host
The Matildas, coming off losses to Japan and the United States in the SheBelieves Cup, were the subject of a bizarre and offensive rant
A radio host in Australia who made “unacceptable” and “disgusting” comments about the national women’s football team was taken off air on Wednesday, local media reported.
Marty Sheargold was widely criticised after saying on nationwide radio station Triple M on Monday he “would rather hammer a nail” through his penis than watch the Matildas at next year’s Asian Cup at home.
“Got any men’s sport?” he added, to laughter from his co-hosts, and among other barbs said the team – who lost to Japan and the United States in the ongoing SheBelieves Cup – reminded him of “year 10 girls”.
“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,” Sheargold said, referring to the 2023 World Cup where Australia reached the semi-finals at home.
Sheargold apologised but his scheduled show on Wednesday did not go to air, ABC News said, reporting that the comedian and Triple M had “mutually agreed to part ways”.
“I fully understand the gravity of my comments,” Sheargold was quoted as saying in a statement.