Ben Fordham’s Defense of Marty Sheargold
Radio host Ben Fordham has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Marty Sheargold, the Triple M presenter who was recently fired for making derogatory comments about the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team. Fordham, known for his outspoken views on 2GB, suggested that Sheargold’s remarks were not genuine and were instead part of his comedic style, which often involves exaggeration and shock value. "He knows that the joke didn’t land, he knows that many people viewed it as him punching down, but look, there’s something that you need to know about Marty Sheargold’s style of comedy, and I know this because I’ve listened to his podcasts for a long time: he says things all the time that he does not mean," Fordham explained. While Fordham acknowledges that Sheargold made a mistake, he believes the comedian’s intention was not to malign the Matildas but to elicit a reaction from his audience, a common tactic in his routine.
The Outburst and Its Aftermath
Sheargold’s controversial comments were made during a discussion about the Matildas’ losses at the SheBelieves Cup on Monday. He compared the players to "bitching" Year 10 girls and stated that he would rather mutilate himself than watch them play. These remarks swiftly garnered widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, past and present Matildas players, and the team’s interim coach. The backlash was intense, with many sports fans and public figures calling for accountability and respect. However, Fordham’s defense has added a layer of complexity to the discussion, as he highlighted that Sheargold’s style often involves saying things that are not meant to be taken seriously. "Jokes are funny when they land. And if they don’t land, I think it’s Jerry Seinfeld who said at one stage it’s a bit like a soccer goal, if you get it in the goal it’s a goal, if you miss, you miss—and this one missed," Fordham said.
The Debate Over Free Speech and Criticism
Despite the widespread condemnation, there are many Australians who have defended Sheargold, arguing that his comments were within the bounds of free speech and that he should not have been fired for them. A common theme among his supporters is the belief that if similar remarks were made about a struggling men’s team, there would be no such uproar. For instance, one commenter on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "The amount of people denouncing Marty Sheargold for what was essentially 30 seconds of a riff is absolutely baffling. Get the actual f**k off this app if you don’t approve of free speech. Cancel culture has no place here." Another supporter pointed out, "No matter what Marty Sheargold said the fact remains that the Matildas are the most over-hyped, over-marketed, and most importantly underperforming team we have seen for decades. No silverware in sight." These arguments suggest a broader debate about the level of criticism sports teams, particularly women’s teams, should face and the perceived double standards in public reaction.
The Role of Criticism in Sports
Some of Sheargold’s defenders argue that criticism is a normal part of sports commentary, and that the Matildas should not be treated any differently from other sports teams. "Women’s sports is pushed down our throats relentlessly. And the hype for the Matildas is never ending. Regardless of them losing more games than they win," one commenter noted. This sentiment reflects a frustration among some sports fans who feel that women’s sports, particularly the Matildas, receive disproportionate attention and praise despite their performance. Another commenter added, "Marty Sheargold didn’t say anything different to what the majority of men with normal testosterone levels think. These things are 1. The Matildas are the most divisive team in Australian sport. 2. Sam Kerr sucks. 3. No red-blooded males are going to watch the women’s Asian Cup." These views, while controversial, underscore the complex dynamics and biases that can exist in sports commentary and fan culture.
The Prime Minister’s Stance
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese firmly condemned Sheargold’s comments, labeling them as "completely unacceptable" and expressing his support for the Matildas. "They were just shocking comments that anyone could think it, let alone say it," Albanese said on Nova radio. "Completely unacceptable. The Tillies are just legends. They excited and brought together the whole country. The whole country was united in cheering for them." Albanese’s strong stance highlights the political and social significance of the Matildas, not just as a sports team but as a symbol of national pride and women’s achievements in sports. His comments also reflect the broader societal push for gender equality and the importance of respectful discourse, especially in public forums.
The Need for Gender Parity in批评 and Support
Olympic swimming great Cate Campbell was particularly disturbed by the lack of male voices speaking out against Sheargold’s comments. "My question here is where are the men? There were two other men in that studio while Marty was making those comments… However, it took a woman, it took Rosie Malone, an Olympian in her own right, to call these comments out [in a TikTok post]," Campbell said on the Today show. She emphasized that it is crucial for men to stand up against such behavior and not leave the responsibility solely to women. "We don’t want to be in this trope. We don’t want to be the people who are saying, ‘Oh, you can’t take a joke, stop it.’ That’s not acceptable." Campbell’s remarks highlight the ongoing need for gender parity in sports and media, where both men and women must actively contribute to a respectful and supportive environment for all athletes.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Marty Sheargold’s comments about the Matildas underscores the deep-seated issues of gender bias and the challenges of balancing free speech with respect and accountability. While Ben Fordham and some supporters argue that Sheargold’s remarks were a misjudged joke, the majority of the public and key figures in Australian sports and politics have roundly condemned them. The incident has reignited discussions about the role of criticism in sports, the importance of gender equality, and the responsibilities that come with a platform. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that words have power and that public figures must be mindful of the impact their comments can have, especially on marginalized groups.
