Sutton postponed game because of ‘safety fears’ in transgender row

Sutton United have revealed that their women’s team fixture against Ebbsfleet United last Sunday was postponed because of concerns around the safety and wellbeing of their players, after the club were criticised for signing a transgender goalkeeper.

The club have defended their addition of the Scottish keeper Blair Hamilton and expressed their “full support” for the club’s manager, Lucy Clark, who was the first openly trans referee before her appointment as manager by Sutton in January, stating that the signing of Hamilton is fully compliant with the league’s regulations.

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A club statement said on Wednesday: “The wellbeing and safety of all our players is of paramount importance to us and it was through an abundance of caution on this subject that the decision was made to postpone the match on Sunday. We will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines our values or puts anyone’s health or safety in jeopardy.”

The former Hastings United player Hamilton had debuted for Sutton in the club’s previous fixture, a 6-0 win away at Haywards Heath Town on 25 August, but after media reports emerged on Saturday regarding the signing, the London and South East Regional Premier Division fixture was called off with an announcement on Ebbsfleet’s social media channels at 11.40am, just under two and a half hours before kick-off.

The club said their focus was on handling the matter “with the utmost sensitivity and respect for the individuals involved” and added: “Following recent media reports regarding our women’s team and a recent player addition, the board would like to take this opportunity to express our full support of Lucy Clark in her decision to recruit based on ability, character and commitment to the team.

“We understand the sensitivity surrounding the issue of trans women in sports, and the club have followed all Football Association protocols and have confirmed that the player’s involvement is fully compliant with all legal and regulatory guidelines.

“Sutton United Football Club is committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity, respect and fair play. We reject any form of discrimination, including that based on gender identity.”

Ebbsfleet’s chief executive, Damian Irvine, said on the social media platform X that he was “very disappointed” at the short notice cancellation of Sunday’s game and Ebbsfleet later confirmed that their matchday food had been donated to a local food bank.

Clark, who is the first transgender woman to take charge of a club in the top five divisions of the English women’s pyramid, appeared to have removed her X account, as of Wednesday afternoon.