Matildas coach, MP slam Sheargold for ‘outrageous’ on-air comments

“Australia’s most watched television event ever was the Matilda’s World Cup semi-final,” Wells said. “The Tillies’ quarter-final is the second most watched event in Australian history, while Ash Barty’s Australian Open win and Cathy Freeman’s Sydney gold are in our top five, too.”

Earlier in the broadcast, Sheargold, who was joined by co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston, said: “You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls. All the infighting and all the friendship issues and ‘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 arse.”

The Matildas were a topic of discussion after they lost 4-0 to Japan and 2-1 to the US in the invitational SheBelieves Cup tournament in America: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup,” one of Sheargold’s co-hosts said.

Sheargold replied, “Oh she believes in what? It better be men.”

An excerpt from the show was posted on TikTok and Instagram by Hockeyroo Ambrosia Malone, who wrote: “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”.

Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler commented on Malone’s Instagram post, writing, “Sport is for everyone and these views are for no one,” and adding a vomit emoji.

Alex Chidiac, a member of the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup squad, wrote: “so sick of this shit”.

Football Australia condemned Sheargold’s comments on Wednesday. The governing body said it was “deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments … 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.

“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.

“While we acknowledge the apologies issued by both Triple M and Marty Sheargold, this incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities… every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforces our society’s values toward women and girls in sport.”

A statement from Triple M posted on their Instagram account on Wednesday morning read: “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. We sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused.”

It also included a statement from Sheargold that read: “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. I sincerely apologise.”

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.