Ex-Matilda Sarah Walsh sees positives in huge response to Marty Sheargold rant

Former Matildas striker Sarah Walsh says the backlash to Marty Sheargold’s comments about the national team are proof societal views on women’s sport have shifted dramatically.

Triple M presenter Sheargold parted ways with the company in the wake of a sexist and misogynistic rant, which included him declaring on air he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis” than watch their Asian Cup in Australia campaign next year.

His comments attracted a wave of condemnation from all corners, with female athletes and Football Australia among those to hit back at his comments prior to his departure from the airwaves.

Walsh, who was in Perth as part of her role as Women’s Asian Cup chief operating officer ahead of the one-year countdown to the tournament, said the response to the comments from everyday people was heartening.

“We’ve seen the issues of (this week) in the sentiment and the backlash, diverse backlash from men, women, families, kids, children,” she said.

“It’s just not acceptable and I think the power of the Matildas, their reach, the value of their brand has really catapulted them into the spotlight.

“What comes with that is criticism, but what comes with that is a huge following for the Matildas and a lot of people don’t follow the Matildas for the football; it’s actually for what they represent.

“We got to see that representation come out (on Wednesday).”

Walsh said the nature of the response to Sheargold’s comments, and the fact it was not just women speaking out, was revealing and reflected societal values were changing in a positive way.

“It’s not just about women’s sport, it’s about respect for women. That’s what we saw,” she said.

“We saw very good men in very high profile places come out and condemn the commentary and that’s what we’ve been trying to do for a long time, is actually shift society’s views and attitudes of women and girls.”

Walsh said the Matildas’ run to the Women’s World Cup semfinal had helped changed views on women in sport.

“You couldn’t go to a barbecue in 2023 around August, without anyone, who had never watched football before, talking about how amazing the Matildas were.

“For us this, this is about football, but it’s much bigger, and that’s what we saw yesterday.

“It’s not about women’s sport. It’s about our respect and treatment for women, and we’ve seen the needle dial on that yesterday.”