Marty Sheargold Announces Radio Comeback After Matildas Sexism Scandal
In a surprising career move, controversial radio host Marty Sheargold has revealed he will be returning to the airwaves with a new segment on Nova FM's The Chrissie Swan Show. This announcement comes precisely one year after his previous show on Triple M was abruptly cancelled following widespread backlash over sexist remarks he made about the Australian women's soccer team, the Matildas.
The New Role and Social Media Reveal
On Tuesday, the 54-year-old presenter shared the news on his Instagram account, posting a photograph of himself smiling alongside Chrissie Swan, 52, and newsreader Jack Charles at the Nova studio in Melbourne. In the accompanying caption, Sheargold wrote: 'Listen to Marty Sheargold on The Chrissie Swan Show. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.'
His new segment, titled 'The Red Card,' will focus on discussing what he describes as 'the old days of radio.' This marks a significant professional rehabilitation attempt for the outspoken host, whose career appeared to be in ruins following last year's controversy.
Background: The Controversial Comments That Ended His Triple M Career
Sheargold's downfall began in February 2025 when he made derogatory comments about the Matildas on his Triple M program, The Marty Sheargold Show. The remarks were broadcast hours after the Australian women's soccer team suffered a 2-1 defeat to the USA in the SheBelieves Cup.
During the show, when co-host Troy Ellis raised the topic of the Matildas, Sheargold offered his controversial perspective: '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 b***h."'
The conversation then shifted to Australia hosting the women's Asian Cup, to which Sheargold responded: 'Oh God. The Asian Cup. I'd rather hammer a nail through the head of my p***s than watch that. Got any men's sport?'
Fallout and Subsequent Controversies
The comments were immediately condemned as sexist and disgusting by listeners, sports fans, and media commentators alike. In the aftermath, Southern Cross Austereo, which operates Triple M, announced they had 'mutually agreed' to part ways with Sheargold.
The controversy deepened when Sheargold subsequently claimed that endometriosis was fake, sparking further outrage from medical professionals and women's health advocates.
Earlier this month, Sheargold appeared on A Current Affair where host Allison Langdon delivered a stern rebuke of his behavior. 'One seriously sexist and offensive joke ended it all,' Langdon said of Sheargold's once-prolific career. 'Marty Sheargold's crude sledge of our national women's soccer team offended many people - me included.'
Sheargold's Defiant Stance and Limited Apology
During his interview with A Current Affair's Steve Marshall, Sheargold maintained a defiant attitude, suggesting that people need to 'get over it.' When asked if his initial public apology was sincere, he replied: 'To that playing group and the extended group of the Matildas? Yeah, I apologise. But to people that are offended by that on the outside of that group. Come on.'
Despite admitting that his comments were 'not funny,' Sheargold clarified that he did not regret making the remarks themselves, but rather regretted the subsequent fallout and how it affected his long-term partner Ang and their two daughters.
Analysis: A Controversial Comeback in Changing Media Landscape
Sheargold's return to radio raises questions about accountability in media and whether controversial figures can successfully rehabilitate their careers after causing significant offense. The move to Nova FM's popular The Chrissie Swan Show represents a calculated attempt at career resurrection, positioning him within a different radio network and format.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see how listeners respond to Sheargold's return, particularly given the ongoing conversations about sexism in sports media and the continued success of the Matildas as national sporting icons.
The 'Red Card' segment title itself appears to reference both his controversial past and his intention to discuss radio's history, though some critics may view it as an ironic choice given that his previous comments effectively earned him a professional red card from Triple M.
