Australia’s broadcast regulator has ruled that four commercial radio stations – Triple M Sydney, Triple M Brisbane, Gold Coast FM and Maryborough Broadcasting Company – crossed the line when they put to air Marty Sheargold’s now-infamous tirade about the Matildas. In its submission, SCA maintained that the comments were not offensive when measured against “generally acceptable standards of decency for a Triple M listener”. The Marty Sheargold Show did not air in its usual 3pm slot the day after the segment, with Triple M instead running music and advertising. For women’s sport, the ruling is being viewed as a symbolic step. “Respect for women’s sport isn’t optional,” ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said.