World Matchplay protestor dragged out of event after holding sign about trans darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven

A protestor at the World Matchplay Darts event in Blackpool was forcibly removed for displaying a sign in referencing to the sports' first openly transgender player.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven competed in the women's event on Sunday recording a comprehensive victory over Lorraine Winstanley before losing 5-4 to Fallon Sherrock in the next round.

But during the first game, women's sport campaigner Jean Hatchet was one of four women escorted by security for standing up and holding up a “he’s a man" banner at the Winter Gardens venue.

Hatchet, who wore a 'Sex Matters’ t- shirt and was accompanied by a protestor who had the message 'Save Women’s Sport' on theirs, posted a number of statements and videos in relation to the incident.

Footage showed security quickly intervening and snatching the sign and removing Hatchet.

Hatchet claimed she was left with bruises and scratches after a "violent removal" where she and three others were "heavily manhandled".

Taking to X, she wrote: "Forcibly - and I mean with violence and abuse - removed from The Winter Garden Blackpool for trying to hold up a sign saying “He’s A Man” as Noa-Lynn Van Loeven entered for the Women’s World Matchplay darts. We were called 'homophobic' 'bloody lesbians' and heavily manhandled. @JuliaHB1 we have footage."

She later added: "Hello @OfficialPDC…. This is what your security did. I offered to walk out if they gave me my bag. This is for standing up while a man played in women’s darts. This is all your work. #NoMenInWomensSport."

Hatchet also claims she was "deliberately" split up from her girlfriend who was also escorted out. In a separate message on X, she commented: 'Thanks to all the women and men who have offered your support and kind words. It means a lot to us right now."

PDC policy on transgender darts players

Though other sporting bodies have imposed strict restrictions and banned athletes born male in women's sport, there is no such rule on transgender players from the Darts Regulation Authority.

"Ultimately, we came up with a policy that we believe to be fair," PDC chief executive Matt Porter told Sky Sports.

"We respect the fact that not everybody agrees with that and we accept that it's not a unanimously accepted position. However, it's a position that we've adopted and that we believe is fair.

Van Leuven began considering transitioning at the age of 16 and made her debut in 2022 at the PDC Women's Series. She primarily competes in the women's game but her inclusion has prompted players to pull out and refuse to play her previously.

However she has faced male players and appeared at the PDC World Championships earlier this year, with former world champion Luke Humphries a vocal supporter.

Speaking after taking a break from darts due to mental health reasons, Van Leuven said: "I love this game too much and why would I let anyone else ruin my passion for darts?"

“I just want to play darts. 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.”

SPORTbible has reached out to the PDC for comment.