In a shocking turn at the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool, three self-described “Save Women’s Sport” protestors were forcibly removed from the arena after attempting to confront and disrupt trans darts player Noa‑Lynn van Leuven as she prepared to take the oche.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the protesters wore shirts emblazoned with slogans such as “he’s a man,” and one attempted to film the moment while another reportedly threw objects toward the stage. Security intervened swiftly, dragging two individuals off the floor after a physical scuffle and escorting a third out as the confrontation unfolded.
Despite the commotion, van Leuven delivered a commanding performance, whitewashing Lorraine Winstanley 4‑0 in the quarter-final, showing unwavering focus under fire. She then exited in the semi-final, losing a closely contested last-leg decider to Fallon Sherrock.
Why the Anger Is Real
Sport should unite, but this incident reveals a raw, ugly undercurrent of trans discrimination. People who believe their message justifies direct harassment at a sporting event betray hatred, not conviction. The protestors’ aim, painting van Leuven as a threat, is not only deeply disrespectful but also dangerously exclusionary.
Noa‑Lynn van Leuven: Human Behind the Headlines
Van Leuven, born September 27, 1996, in The Netherlands, began her transition around age 16. She has faced intense backlash, including death threats and online abuse that triggered panic attacks and forced her to withdraw temporarily from tournaments. But she returned stronger, grabbing back-to-back titles in the spring of 2025 and earning her first televised win on the Blackpool stage.
Her rivals have at times turned hostile. British veteran Deta Hedman notably forfeited a match against van Leuven at the 2024 Denmark Open, calling her a man and refusing to compete in protest, comments van Leuven has consistently refuted as cruel misgendering and fear-based rhetoric.
Undeterred, van Leuven answered back in public forums: “I just want to play darts.” On PinkNews, she shared, “I love this game too much… why would I let anyone else ruin my passion for darts?” Despite weeks of fear and forced isolation, she returned to the sport she loves with renewed clarity and confidence.
The Bigger Picture
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the Darts Regulation Authority maintain trans-inclusion policies requiring at least 12 months of suppressed testosterone below 10 nmol/L, among other criteria. Van Leuven has met those standards and has been endorsed by PDC leadership. Even so, the protests underscore the growing tension within women’s darts and broader sports policy debates.
The Bottom Line
At its core, sport is about skill and passion, not policing someone’s identity. The protestors’ behavior was not just misguided; it crossed the line into harassment. Van Leuven, however unfairly maligned, did not flinch, and she should be commended for refusing to let bigotry steal her joy. Her poise under pressure and ongoing success show resilience not just as an athlete, but as a person.
We stand with Noa‑Lynn van Leuven and everyone who believes trans athletes deserve respect, fairness, and the right to compete in peace.
