Hastings United Women has condemned the “disgraceful and tasteless” backlash received in response to transgender goalkeeper Blair Hamilton earning an England Universities call-up.
Hamilton, who is a PhD student at the University of Brighton, previously played men’s football before transitioning and currently plays for Hastings United Women.
The 32-year-old student earned a place in the England Universities Women’s squad, with Hastings United Women announcing the news on Twitter last month.
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However, the news prompted a fierce backlash on social media from users amid the heated debates surrounding transgender involvement in women’s sports.
Hastings United Women chairman Billy Wood slammed the abuse received in wake of the news and said the club are “proud to have Blair Hamilton represent us on the national stage.”
In a strongly-worded statement on Hastings’ website, Wood said: “Hastings United Football Club would like to respond and condemn the disgraceful and tasteless comments made on Twitter since the announcement of Blair Hamilton’s call up to the England Women’s University Squad.
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The ‘U’s will continue to support equality in football and are proud to have Blair Hamilton represent us on the national stage.
“We do not condone messages of abuse, many as always coming through online accounts where the individuals hide behind a username.
“Online abuse is still abuse and the accounts have been reported and passed on to Twitter.
“All our staff, players and supporters stand alongside Blair and will continue to support her both on and off the pitch.”
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Hamilton has been studying for her PhD at the University of Brighton since January 2020, with the trans ‘keeper being the “lead investigator of the Tavistock Transgender Athlete Study.”
The Hastings United Women’s player previously studied Exercise and Health Science for her undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen and finished her course in 2019.
Featured Image Credit: Hastings United Women/Blair Hamilton's TwitterTopics: Football
