Football Australia has condemned a Melbourne radio host for "unacceptable" comments regarding the Matildas and women's football.
And now the Matildas coach and several players have also spoken out against Triple M's Marty Sheargold for his rant on Monday which has been blasted as "horrendous" and "utterly disgusting".
"As sporting teams, we're used to criticisms – but sometimes the comments cross the line and that one certainly did cross the line," interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni told media on Wednesday.
"It was firstly completely unnecessary and generally outrageous… And you know, it's something that just from a behavioural perspective is really, very, very disappointing.
"For me, it's not so much about sexism and misogyny, in a sense – although that's unacceptable, let me make that clear. It's kind of what the comments were."
A statement from the national football body came three hours after Wide World of Sports published an apology from Triple M and Sheargold.
Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni. Getty
Sheargold was widely called out online after former Hockeyroos player Rosie Malone posted an audio clip to her TikTok account on Tuesday.
Sheargold – a supposed comedian and actor who returned to the airwaves this year after a sudden exit from radio in 2023 – was speaking during his show on Monday afternoon, hours after Australia's women had lost to the USA in the SheBelieves Cup.
The Matildas lost 2-1 in a gallant effort against the football powerhouse, three days after losing 4-0 to Japan at the tournament in America.
Fellow program host Troy Ellis introduced the topic before Sheargold went on a bizarre rant criticising Australia's national team.
"There's something wrong with the Matildas," he said.
"They had that wonderful tournament out here (2023 FIFA World Cup) where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn't make the quarters.
Caitlin Foord of Australia Matildas. Getty
"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."
His fellow hosts tried to continue discussing the SheBelieves Cup result when he interjected, "Oh, she believes in what? It better be men".
It was then pointed out Australia is hosting the women's Asian Cup next year.
"Oh god. The Asian Cup," Sheargold said.
"I'd rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that.
"Got any men's sport (to talk about)?"
The comments were aired in Melbourne around 5.30pm.
Later on Wednesday, Football Australia sent a statement of their own.
"Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the Matildas. 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," it read.
"The Matildas have inspired a new generation of Australians from young boys and girls to men and women who now see a future for themselves in football and sport more broadly. They have broken barriers, set new standards, and elevated the game to unprecedented heights. Their success has been instrumental in transforming women's sport in Australia, and they deserve to be covered with the respect and professionalism they have earned.
"While we acknowledge the apologies issued by both Triple M and Marty Sheargold, this incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women's sport and its participants. Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforces our society's values toward women and girls in sport.
"It is imperative that all media outlets and commentators uphold a standard of respect that reflects the immense contribution of the Matildas and all female athletes to our sporting culture and Australian story. All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect afforded to their male counterparts.
Marty Sheargold. Triple M
"We appreciate the swift response from Southern Cross Austereo and hope this leads to meaningful conversations about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of women's football and women's sport in general."
Wide World of Sports contacted Triple M and received a comment from the station and from Sheargold.
"Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise," Sheargold said.
A Southern Cross Austereo spokesperson said, "Marty Sheargold's comments regarding the Matildas – made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February – 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. We are sorry for any offence caused."
Malone heard the segment on Monday afternoon and later posted a clip to her TikTok calling it out.
"I had to censor this myself because the audio was so horrendous," she said.
Players from Team Australia at the Olympics. Getty
"I honestly don't know what is wrong with the world.
"I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5.30pm) 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??"
Malone's post was picked up by several other social media users on Tuesday, many of whom called for Triple M to take action.
A number of Matildas players also commented on the post.
Midfielder Clare Wheeler said, "Sport is for everyone and these views are for no one," while Alex Chidiac wrote, "so sick of this shit".
The Matildas next take on Colombia on Thursday morning (AEDT).