Girl is called ‘lesbian’ for playing football

A 13-year-old girl from Wales has said she has been called a lesbian because she plays football.

Darcie, 13, who lives in Cwmbran, Torfaen, told the BBC that she had been taunted by both boys and their parents for playing the sport.

The teenager said her school wouldn’t allow her to play football because it is a “boy’s sport.”

Girls playing football in Grenoble central eastern France. (JEAN-PIERRE CLATOT/AFP/Getty Images)

“I want to play football, and I don’t want someone to criticise me,” she told the BBC.

“They have criticised me a lot by saying I’m a man or a lesbian. They’ve just called me all different types of names.”

The teenager plays as a central midfielder for a local football team.

She reported that some parents supporting their sons had shouted “don’t let a girl tackle you” when she has been on the pitch.

Darcie continued: “I ask my PE teachers if I can play football, can I do that as a recommended sport and they say no because it is a boy’s sport.

“I think it is wrong that people criticise girls for playing football because it is something they want to do and they love.”

A young girl at football training. (BARBARA SAX/AFP/Getty Images)

• Dec 01

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