Australian radio host Marty Sheargold has been fired from station Triple M after making apparent misogynistic comments about the Matildas women’s football team.
The 53-year-old shock jock departed the station after they “mutually agreed to part ways” following his remarks during Monday’s drive-time show.
His departure was confirmed by Triple M’s parent company Southern Cross Austereo.
During his Monday show, Sheargold said he “would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis” than watch the Matildas play in next year’s Asian Cup.
Marty Sheargold has since been axed from his job on radio
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When discussing the team’s poor performance at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States, he asked his co-host: “Got any men’s sport?”
He also mocked the tournament name, saying: “She believes in what? It better be men.”
The comments came after the Matildas lost their opening two games in the competition.
Sheargold went on to compare the Matildas to schoolgirls, saying: “You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls.”
He continued: “All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a b***h’.”
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The radio host then added: “Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your a**e.”
His tirade came during a discussion about the team’s recent poor results.
The comments triggered immediate backlash from across Australian sport and politics.
Australian sports minister Anika Wells called Sheargold’s remarks “boorish, boring and wrong”.
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Australian women’s footballers were compared to ‘Year 10s’ by Marty Sheargold
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Football Australia said it was “deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments” that “diminish the extraordinary achievements” of the team.
Matildas coach Tom Sermanni described the words as “out of order and very unnecessary”.
Arsenal defender Steph Catley, who has captained Australia, said: “I know there have been apologies but it is just completely unacceptable.”
Australian field hockey international Rosie Malone expressed concern about young girls hearing such comments.
Sheargold issued an apology on Tuesday, saying: “Any comedy including mine can miss the mark” and that he “fully understand[s] the gravity of my comments”.
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Marty Sheargold has since apologised for his comments
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He added: “I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation.”
Dave Cameron, chief content officer at Southern Cross Austereo, said: “Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review.”
The company stated its programming “should align with the standards and expectations of its audience”.
A new host for the show will be announced “in due course”.