The sporting community is up in arms after radio host Marty Sheargold made inflammatory comments about the Matildas, Australia's women's national football team.
The backlash was swift, with Australian Olympic greats and fans taking to social media to express their outrage.
What Happened?
It all started when Sheargold unloaded on women's sport during a news segment on his Triple M show.
The offending clip was posted by Hockeyroo player Rosie Malone, who said she was shocked and disappointed by the comments.
"I honestly don't know what is wrong with the world... I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5:30 pm) 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," Malone wrote on Instagram.
The Apology
Sheargold has since apologized, saying, "Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offense at my comments regarding the Matildas.
I sincerely apologize." Triple M also issued a statement, saying that Sheargold's comments do not align with the station's views and values. "We sincerely apologize for any offense or distress caused," the statement read.
Reaction from the Sporting Community
Olympic swimming great Libby Trickett was among those who expressed their outrage, saying, "I'm livid. It's 2025, and this isn't funny."
Former Australian Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones became emotional when responding to Sheargold's comments, saying, "The comments are so hurtful against women's sport... I've been quite upset all morning, and I was upset when I came in."
A Message to Young Athletes
Jones had a message for the young boys and girls who might have heard Sheargold's comments: "Please know that you are welcome to play sport... Sorry, I'm upset."
Football Australia also released a statement, condemning Sheargold's comments and saying that they "diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women's national football team."
A Lesson in Responsibility
This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women's sport.
Every comment, every report, and every discussion shapes public perception and reinforces our society's values toward women and girls in sport.
It's a lesson that Sheargold and Triple M have learned the hard way, and one that they will hopefully not forget anytime soon.
