Hey there, sports fans and casual scrollers alike! If you’ve been anywhere near the internet today, you’ve probably caught wind of the drama brewing around Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold. His wild comments about the Matildas—Australia’s beloved women’s soccer team—have set off a firestorm, and people are not holding back. Let’s break down what happened, why it’s a big deal, and what’s coming next in this women’s sports controversy.
What Did Marty Sheargold Say?
It all kicked off on Monday’s episode of The Marty Sheargold Show on Triple M. The Matildas had just taken some tough losses in the SheBelieves Cup in the U.S.—a 4-0 defeat to Japan and a 2-1 loss to the USA. Fair game for a radio chat, right? Well, Sheargold didn’t just critique their play. He went off, saying the team reminded him of “Year 10 girls” with “infighting and friendship issues,” and then dropped this gem: “I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch” the Women’s Asian Cup next year. Yikes. His co-hosts laughed, but the internet? Not so much.
The Backlash Was Swift
By Tuesday, the clip was everywhere, thanks to a TikTok post by former Hockeyroo Rosie Malone calling it “disgusting.” Matildas players like Clare Wheeler and Alex Chidiac fired back online—Wheeler said, “Sport is for everyone and these views are for no one,” while Chidiac vented, “So sick of this s***.” Even interim coach Tom Sermanni chimed in from the U.S., slamming the remarks as “outrageous” and “completely unnecessary.” Football Australia wasn’t far behind, issuing a statement that blasted Sheargold’s words as “unacceptable” and a slap in the face to the team’s legacy. Oh, and Sports Minister Anika Wells? She called it “boorish, boring, wrong,” pointing out the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup semi-final was Australia’s most-watched TV event ever.
Then there’s Leisel Jones, the Olympic swimming legend turned Triple M Gold Coast host. She broke down in tears on-air Wednesday, saying she almost didn’t show up to work after hearing Sheargold’s rant. “I think it’s so important to know [the Matildas] are inspiring, no matter what level they get to,” she sobbed. It hit hard, and it showed how deep this cut.
Triple M and Sheargold Backtrack—Sort Of
By Wednesday morning, the heat was too much. Triple M put out an apology: “Marty Sheargold’s comments… 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.” Sheargold followed with his own: “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.” But not everyone’s buying it—critics on social media are tearing into the “sorry you were offended” vibe, saying it’s a cop-out.
Why This Matters in 2025
Look, the Matildas aren’t just a team—they’re a cultural juggernaut. They’ve packed stadiums, inspired kids, and put women’s sports on the map in Australia. So when a big-name radio host like Sheargold trashes them with sexist jabs, it’s not just a bad take—it’s a step back. Posts on X are buzzing with fans and athletes alike saying this kind of misogyny has no place in 2025. One user nailed it: “The country-wide condemnation shows how far we’ve come, but this vile tripe needs to stay in the past.”
What’s Next?
The Matildas are gearing up to face Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup on Thursday (morning AEDT), and Sermanni insists the team’s focused despite the noise. Meanwhile, the Marty Sheargold Matildas comments saga is a wake-up call for media folks everywhere—words matter, especially about women’s sports. Will Triple M tighten the leash? Will Sheargold rethink his “comedy”? And how will this shape the convo around female athletes? Stay tuned, because this one’s far from over.
Got thoughts on the Triple M apology 2025 drama or Sheargold’s rant? Drop them below—I’m all ears!
