Trans row erupts as football team 'refuses to play' after controversial signing of transgender goalkeeper
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Sutton United's women's team have reportedly 'refused to play' after the controversial signing of a transgender goalkeeper.
Blair Hamilton, who was born male, was set to play in their clash with Ebbsfleet on Saturday.
The 34-year-old, who is 6ft and towers over the rest of the squad, previously appeared for the University of Aberdeen's men's side and Saltdean United Women.
Sutton postponed their match with Ebbsfleet on Saturday but offered no explanation.
Trans row erupts with Sutton United players reportedly 'refusing to play' following the signing of transgender goalkeeper Blair Hamilton
According to The Sun, however, the cancellation 'was related to disquiet' about the recent signing of Hamilton.
It's claimed Sutton United's womens team 'refused to play' after the arrival of the shot-stopper.
Ebbsfleet supremo Damian Irvine was left 'very disappointed', with the chief executive saying: “Very disappointed to be advised this by Sutton United Women.
“A full hour later, they’ve advised their own fans so I’m so sorry for those planning on setting off.
"We do our best to promote and support the sport but this doesn’t help.”
Sutton currently have a transgender manager in charge of the women's team.
Lucy Clark was appointed back in January, having previously been a referee.
The 51-year-old, speaking in 2022, floated the idea of a team fielding only trans players. Clark said: "How good is that?"
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Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies has been among critics of Sutton's decision to recruit Hamilton.
Writing on X, she said the signing was 'irresponsible and dangerous'.
She also said: “If you’re prepared to play in a football team fielding males, you’re prepared to go along with cheating and an increased risk of injury to opponents.”
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Blair Hamilton pictured during her time at the University of Brighton
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Speaking in March, Hamilton said the Saltdean United dressing room had accepted her - and that she was devastated to leave.
“I’m about to relocate for work, and what makes this bittersweet is just how special Saltdean actually is," said the goalkeeper.
“Honestly, I love every one of those players so much. I’ve never been in a dressing room where everyone’s so chilled and there’s so much character there.
“In terms of inclusivity, most of the players are in same-sex relationships and everyone’s got your back.
If you’re prepared to play in a football team fielding males - especially in goal where size of hands & explosive power are so vital, you’re prepared to go along with cheating & an increased risk of injury to your opponents. That would not be me & most female athletes I know…
— Sharron Davies MBE (@sharrond62) September 2, 2024
“An example of that is, we were playing a cup semi-final a couple of weeks ago and we were 3-0 down at half-time to Dorking – then we came back and won it on penalties.
“After the game, we’re all singing ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus and people are crying, it’s just an emotional place. It made me realise that I’ve been in good dressing rooms, but this one’s really special.
“So big kudos to the Saltdean United dressing room because they’re all fantastic.”