Triple M and broadcaster Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways.
The announcement from the Southern Cross Austero (SCA) owned network comes after Sheargold faced a storm of criticism for controversial on-air remarks he made about the Matildas and women’s sport.
Sheargold made the remarks during a news bulletin on The Marty Sheargold Show on Monday afternoon off the back of a story about the Matildas’ recent defeats in the SheBelieves Cup.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas. They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters,” he began.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls. All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘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.”
Sheargold ended his rant by again referring to the SheBelieves Cup saying: “she believes in what? It better be men” before adding, “got any men’s sport?”
The comments quickly attracted an online backlash with Football Australia even stepping in to release a statement saying the 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”.
Sheargold was absent from today’s show sparking rumours surrounding his future at SCA.
In a statement, SCA’s chief content officer, Dave Cameron, said the company and Sheargold had “mutually agreed to part ways”.
He continued: “SCA takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.
“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff. A new Drive show will be announced in due course. Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future,” he said.
The statement also contained comment from Sheargold who said that “I fully understand the gravity of my comments”.
He continued: “I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
Pictured: Marty Sheargold