In a heated response, broadcaster Piers Morgan has slammed the Ultimate Pool Group after two transgender women faced off in the final of a professional women’s pool event in Wigan.
Morgan called the situation “preposterous” and accused the sport of being unfair, sparking a wave of criticism and controversy.
A Controversial Women’s Pro Series Final
Harriet Haynes emerged victorious in the Women’s Pro Series final, defeating Lucy Smith 8-6 in a match that has since stirred up a lot of debate.
Both finalists are transgender women, a fact that led to considerable backlash from various corners, especially on social media.
The event was held at Robin Park Leisure Centre and streamed live on UltimatePool.tv, attracting both praise and harsh criticism.
Sharron Davies Joins the Criticism
Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies also weighed in on the controversy, calling the situation “b****y ridiculous and grossly wrong.”
She voiced her concerns about the impact this would have on female athletes, claiming that it was a direct example of how sports are undermining the opportunities for women.
According to Davies, sports should not allow this kind of competition as it disadvantages biological women.
Piers Morgan’s Strong Opinion
Morgan expressed his disapproval by sharing a post from Reduxx Magazine, which described the final as a situation where “two men” were competing for a women’s championship.
He responded with a blunt message, saying, “Why anyone supports this cheating bulls*** is utterly beyond me.”
Harriet Haynes, who transitioned over a decade ago, has been at the center of previous controversies.
In November 2023, she won the Women’s Champion of Champions final after her opponent, Lynne Pinches, refused to compete.
Pinches stated that she felt it was unfair to compete against a transgender player, citing the physical advantages that come from being biologically male.
The Controversy Surrounding Harriet Haynes
The Debate on Fairness in Transgender Participation in Women’s Sports
The debate over whether transgender women should compete in women’s sports has been ongoing, with many arguing that there are inherent physical advantages.
Haynes, however, has consistently defended her right to compete, saying that trans women do not pose a threat to the integrity of women’s pool.
She even went as far as to say, “We’re not coming over in droves… there’s nothing to fear.”
Challenges for Governing Bodies in Regulating Transgender Participation
Regulatory bodies have struggled to find a consistent policy on transgender participation in women’s sports.
After initially banning transgender women from competing in the women’s series, the World Eightball Pool Federation and Ultimate Pool Group reversed their decision.
They clarified that transgender and non-binary players could compete in the women’s series as long as certain regulatory conditions were met.
This decision has been met with both support and disappointment from various players.
Haynes Defends Her Right to Compete
Despite the backlash, Haynes has continued to defend her position.
She stated that she would step away from competing in the women’s pool category if there was clear evidence that she had a significant advantage over other players.
However, she maintains that no such evidence exists, and she believes that the rules should be upheld as they are.
What’s Next for Women’s Pool Competitions?
The next Women’s Pro Series events are set to take place in May at the home of Bolton Wanderers, but the conversation surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports is far from over.
The debate continues to spark strong opinions, with some calling for clearer regulations, while others advocate for inclusivity and fairness in all categories.
