Mick Hartley

The FA's transgender policy exposed in all its absurdity:

A girl footballer with suspected autism has been hit with a six-match ban after asking a “bearded” transgender opponent: “Are you a man?”

The 17-year-old cried as she was found guilty of “discrimination” by a National Serious Case Panel over remarks made during a match against a trans-inclusive club….

Following a three-hour hearing last week in which she denied having been transphobic at what was a pre-season friendly back in July, she was banned for six matches, four of which were suspended.

“This case was heard and found proven by a National Serious Case Panel, and the individual has been suspended for six matches, with two to be served immediately and four suspended for 12 months,” the FA said in a statement.

The National Serious Case Panel? Oh dear. The pomposity makes it even more ridiculous.

The girl, who wept as she was grilled for around 30 minutes during proceedings conducted via video conference, had been facing a ban of up to 12 games.

That hearing was branded “farcical” by one of those present on the call, who said the alleged victim was repeatedly “misgendered” as “he” by panel members. The girl was also said to have been asked repeatedly: “How many LGBQT+ players do you have in your team?”

Her parents were outraged both by the hearing and the outcome, with her mother telling Telegraph Sport: “We’ve always taught our daughter to ask questions, and if she doesn’t feel comfortable or she doesn’t feel safe then she should go to somebody in charge and ask the question. In safeguarding training at places of work, you’re always told that you should question everything but she’s been told and effectively sanctioned by the FA for doing so. She asked, ‘Are you a man?’, and she admitted to that. The FA is essentially saying that no woman, when faced with what appears to be a male on the pitch, is entitled to ask a question.”…

Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, told Telegraph Sport: “The FA has declared open season on women and girls in football with its disastrous policy, which means that no one can question a male player participating in a women’s game.she admitted to that. The FA is essentially saying that no woman, when faced with what appears to be a male on the pitch, is entitled to ask a question.”…

“Anyone who does could find themselves suspended just for asking. Disciplining women and girls for saying what they see plainly in front of them makes a mockery of the game. The FA’s new strategy for women’s and girls’ football is worthless as long as this transgender inclusion policy is in place. How can the FA talk about a commitment to true equality in community football while undermining the rights and safety of the very players it claims to be supporting?”

Back to Orwell: "The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."