‘Why hasn’t he spoken out?’ Gary Lineker blasted as ‘coward’ amid Wembley protests over football trans row

Gary Lineker has been urged to speak out about a protest which took place at Wembley Stadium against the banning of a teenage footballer who asked a transgender opponent: “Are you a man?”

The protest was organised by the Twelve O Five group and took place before England play Ireland.

The group is seeking to change the policy allowing those born male to play in women’s football.

Speaking on GB News, activist Jean Hatchet lashed out at figures in the game for not using their platforms to address the issue, with particular regard to Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.

“Gary Lineker – I will call him a coward right here and right now”, he said.

“It’s a ludicrous situation. If people are too cowardly to call men, men, women aren’t and women will.”

Discussing the protests, she said: “We’ve had some great support. Most people are absolutely in agreement.

“Some aren’t quite understanding but when we explain, people are absolutely appalled by how the FA has treated her.

“We have to get noisy and do something because the FA aren’t doing anything. For saying things that are true, she’s been punished.

“What kind of state have we got to in this country where the truth is punished but lies are rewarded?”

The protest has gained support from former tennis star Martina Navratilova.

The mother of the girl in question welcomed the protest, telling the Telegraph the whole family were “thankful and grateful” for the support.

She added: “Everyone has helped her to know that she did the right thing. This action and support today means a lot to her and to other women and girls who are currently being forced to accept men in their sports and spaces.

“Thank you all so much, the fight goes on.”

The girl will miss two matches for her club, with the remaining four games of her ban suspended for a year.