Marty Sheargold: Australian host loses his job over women's football remarks

Australian radio host Matty Johns has left his position following comments he made about the Australian women's national soccer team, comments that were widely considered misogynistic and disrespectful.

Johns, on the national radio station Triple M, stated that the Australian women's soccer players reminded him of "Year 10 girls" and implied their games were boring. His remarks sparked widespread criticism for belittling the achievements of women's soccer.

Johns apologized earlier on Wednesday for his remarks and was scheduled to return to the program, but did not appear in his usual slot. Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), the parent company of Triple M, subsequently announced that Johns and the station had reached a "mutual agreement to part ways."

In a statement, Johns said he fully understood the gravity of his comments and "sincerely apologized to the Australian women's national team and the broader organization." SCA stated that it "takes its responsibility to its listeners, shareholders and clients seriously and that its programs should meet the standards and expectations of its audience." Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said in a statement: "Right now, this is clearly a moment for reflection and review. Triple M and the broader SCA network will continue to take all necessary steps to support its employees."

Australian Sports Minister Anika Wells called the comments "rude, boring and wrong." She emphasized that Australia's highest-rated television program was the Women's World Cup semi-final, while the quarter-final was the second-highest-rated event in Australian history. Australian Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone also criticized Johns, writing on social media that she thought of the young girls sitting in cars, possibly traveling to and from training, who would surely be hurt and confused to hear such words. Football Australia said it was "deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments" and that they "failed to recognize the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society."