A radio presenter in Australia has been sacked after making obscene comments about women’s sport, namely the country’s national football team.
Marty Sheargold was given his marching orders after his comments on Triple M’s drivetime show prompted a significant backlash.
On the topic of Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup next year, he said: “I would rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that. Got any men’s sport?”
Earlier in the discussion, the 53-year-old said: “You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls. All the infighting and all the friendship issues. I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it, so you can stick it up your a***.”
When it was mentioned by his co-presenter that Australia were currently competing in the SheBelieves Cup, Sheargold replied: “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”
Sheargold later apologised for his comments, saying in a statement: “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.”
He was initially expected to return to the air but Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), the parent company of Triple M, said they had mutually agreed to part ways.
Sheargold’s comments have been widely panned by figures in women’s sport, including Australian field hockey international Ambrosia Malone.
On Instagram, she 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.
“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??”
Football Australia issued a statement in response to Sheargold’s comments, saying they were ‘deeply disappointed’ by his ‘unacceptable’ conduct.
They added: “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.”
Arsenal defender Steph Catley, who has captained Australia in the absence of regular skipper Sam Kerr, told 10 News: “I know there has been an apology, but it’s just completely unacceptable. I won’t be commenting any more on that.”
