Three individuals from the "Save Women's Sport" campaign protested at the Winter Gardens during Noa-Lynn van Leuven's quarter-final darts match at the Women's World Matchplay on Sunday.
The demonstrators, dressed in shirts bearing messages opposing the 28-year-old's involvement, made their feelings clear as the Dutch competitor prepared to face Lorraine Winstanley.
The protest occurred as van Leuven appeared at the Blackpool venue for the third time.
Security staff responded immediately to the disruption, forcibly restraining two of the protesters whilst a third person filmed the confrontation. A banner saying 'he's a man' was also visible.
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|Three individuals from the "Save Women's Sport" campaign protested at the Winter Gardens during Noa-Lynn van Leuven's quarter-final darts match at the Women's World Matchplay on Sunday
The demonstrators struggled against their removal, shouting and continuing their demonstrations as security personnel dragged them from the venue.
All three individuals were eventually expelled from the arena. Writer Jean Hatchet has since admitted she was one of the protestors present.
Writing on X, she uploaded a video and said: "This is the footage of the moment we were removed.
This is the footage of the moment we were removed. For standing up at Women’s World Matchplay Darts who let Noa-Lynn Van Loeven play against women. We hadn’t said anything when they attacked us with force. @OfficialPDC these are your security. pic.twitter.com/7HCQI7o2kT
— Jean Hatchet (@JeanHatchet) July 27, 2025
"For standing up at Women’s World Matchplay Darts who let Noa-Lynn Van Loeven play against women. We hadn’t said anything when they attacked us with force. @OfficialPDC these are your security."
The incident appeared to have no impact on van Leuven's competitive focus or performance.
The darts star delivered a commanding display against Winstanley, winning the quarter-final match with a comprehensive 4-0 scoreline.
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Van Leuven's victory secured a spot in the semi-finals. Speaking on Saturday, meanwhile, the player insisted they would continue to compete - despite the controversy it causes.
“No, I love this game too much and why would I let anyone else ruin my passion for darts? I just want to play darts," said the 28-year-old.
“It feels amazing to be back. It’s such an iconic place to play at. Last year, I just lacked a bit of confidence, I guess. I’ve been gaining a lot of stage experience now, so hopefully I can bring my A game to the stage this time.
“It was quiet for the past few weeks and that’s actually quite nice. I’ve done a bit less media beforehand. I guess this year is just about trying to enjoy life and getting my mind right again, so I don’t have that big of goals in darts.
“I’m feeling better, yeah. Before the Grand Slam, it was really good to read those kind of messages in the newspapers. If you have a lot of people going up against you, it’s not a great feeling. But if you get the likes of them [Humphries/Van Gerwen], it sure helps.
“I’m just here to play my game. I want to win a few games. If I win three games, that would be great.
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"I’ve been taking some time to just relax, get my mind right, just try to enjoy life and find the nice things in life. So I’ve taken a bit of time away from darts, but I have practised in between and I think my game is on.
“It’s okay. I’m trying to find that balance and I’m trying to find and enjoy the nice things in life. I want to enjoy darts again.”