Regulator finds Marty Sheargold's 'sexist' Matildas comments breached decency rules

Triple M breached decency rules when the radio station broadcast former presenter Marty Sheargold's "derogatory" and "sexist" comments about the Matildas, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found.

Sheargold left the station and his show was cancelled in February after the 54-year-old said he would "rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis" than watch the Matildas play in the Asian Cup next year.

He also said the team reminded him of "year 10 girls".

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"All the infighting and all the friendship issues, 'the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle's being a b----'," he said at the time.

"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--"

Following a months-long investigation, the ACMA found Triple M breached decency rules by allowing "derogatory language and sexist themes" to be broadcast on the program.

These included comments about the Matildas behaving like schoolgirls, which it said perpetuated stereotypes of women's behaviour.

The ACMA also ruled that the comments demonstrated a "level of contempt and disdain" for women's sport and, more generally, women.

The offensive themes were exacerbated by Sheargold's reference to his penis, it said.

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"Sexist comments like this don't belong in Australian broadcasting," ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said.

"Even if the comments were an extremely ill-judged attempt at humour, a reasonable listener would have found them offensive and to have crossed the line."

Sheargold issued an apology after his comments received widespread condemnation.

"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," he said.

He and Triple M mutually parted ways after the fallout, and his show was cancelled.

The ACMA said it is considering enforcement action against Triple M.

9news.com.au has contacted the owner of Triple M, Southern Cross Austero, for comment.

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