Watch: Protesters dragged away after confronting transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven
Jean Hatchet says she was left with 'bruises and scratches' from her 'very violent' removal for holding up a 'he's a man' banner at the women's event in Blackpool.
The demonstration took place as Van Leuven, the first openly transgender woman in the sport, trounced Lorraine Winstanley in a best-of-seven-legs fixture. Van Leuven was halted in the next round, however, by Fallon Sherrock, losing 5-4.
Hatchet, a writer who was wearing a 'Sex Matters' T-shirt at the event, posted footage of security guards manhandling protesters out of the venue. She posted on social media that it had been a 'horrific display of brute force against women who didn't even get a chance to say 'he's a man' before being dragged out'. She was among at least three protesters thrown out. Another wore a 'Save Women's Sport' T-shirt.
Glad the man Noa-Lynn Van Loeven is OUT of the women's darts. @OfficialPDC now you can answer why women were treated like THIS pic.twitter.com/PIGqWreskC
— Jean Hatchet (@JeanHatchet) July 27, 2025
While many sports have toughened rules against male-born athletes in women's competitions in recent years, transgender players are generally allowed to compete in line with the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA)'s inclusive policy.
Despite the protests, PDC Darts posted favourable messages about Van Leuven's involvement, describing the first-round victory 'as a dominant display to break new ground in Blackpool'.
Van Leuven gets off the mark in Blackpool...!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #WomensMatchplay pic.twitter.com/XLuft6ZWQ2
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 27, 2025
Van Leuven took a step back from the sport at the beginning of this year citing mental-health reasons after facing intense scrutiny last year. Ahead of the Blackpool tournament, the Dutch player 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.'
The Professional Darts Corporation has been approached for a response.
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