In a statement, Marty Sheargold and Triple M said they have mutually agreed to part ways. Photo: Supplied
Marty Sheargold and Triple M have "mutually agreed to part ways", after the radio host made offensive comments about the Matildas on air.
On Monday Sheargold said he "would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis" than watch the Matildas play in next year's Asian Cup, while discussing the national women's football team.
Among other things, Sheargold said the team reminded him 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."
Marty Sheargold's comments about the Matildas sparked widespread outrage. Photo: photosport
Sheargold and Triple M were forced to apologise on Tuesday, with the host saying "any comedy including mine can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments".
This afternoon, Sheargold's show did not go to air, with the station instead playing music and advertisements.
Triple M has since released a joint statement saying its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience, and it was a moment for reflection and review.
He said the network would take all necessary steps to support staff, and that a new Drive show would be announced in due course.
"Triple M acknowledges Marty's contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future."
In the statement, Sheargold said: "I fully understand the gravity of my comments.
"I'd like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation."
He also thanked his immediate team for their hard work and apologised for the situation they now found themselves in.
Earlier, Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni described Sheargold's on-air comments as "out of order and very unnecessary".
Athletes including former Hockeyroo Rosie Malone and Olympian Libby Trickett also expressed their outrage.
Meanwhile, federal Sports Minister Anika Wells called the comments "boorish, boring, wrong" while Beau Busch, head of Professional Footballers Australia, said it was "important such ignorance does not go unchecked".
- ABC
