A Newcastle United fan has told GB News the “only joy in her life has been taken” after she was banned from matches over ‘gender critical’ tweets.
Linzi Smith, 34, is considering taking legal action against the FA over their Rainbow Laces campaign, which shows support to the LGBTQ+ community.
The voluntary campaign sees teams and players wear rainbow coloured armbands and laces, but has drawn controversy this time around with Ipswich captain Sam Morsy opting to stick with an ordinary captain’s armband, citing religious views.
Smith has been banned from matches and had her membership revoked by her club until 2026, and she told Camilla Tominey there’s little chance of the ban being lifted.
Linzi Smith is banned until 2026
GB NEWS / PA
“I said things like trans women are men and I don’t believe in the transitioning of children, and they took umbrage with that”, she said.
“They spent months secretly investigating me and getting the Premier League involved, it culminated in reporting me to the police and being pulled in for an interview and a caution for a hate crime.
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Linzi Smith spoke on GB News
GB NEWS
“It was bizarre. I think that’s the only way I can really describe it. Just voicing my opinions online has resulted in all of this. It has been a nightmare, to be honest.
“Just because they don’t agree with some views I’m sharing online and just because I have a certain outreach on my social media, it doesn’t give them a right to take probably the only joy I have in my life that helps me forget about everything.”
Smith claims that wearing rainbow accessories endorses the belief that a person can have a gender that differs to their biological sex.
In a letter issued by her lawyers, seen by the Telegraph, Smith alleged the FA had acted ‘unlawfully’ by ‘encouraging, authorising or directing’ Premier League players to wear the rainbow colours.
Marc Guehi sparked controversy after writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his armbandREUTERSThe statement continued to argue that FA rules ‘prohibit’ accessories conveying a political message or image.
Despite having her ability to watch games in person stripped, Smith told Camilla she continues to follow her team.
“I still follow them every week”, she said.
“But I would be lying if I said that something wasn’t broken. I can’t see how my views have anything to do with football.
“The club has openly admitted that I never said or done anything in the ground.
“Their wording is that it was offensive. They’ve stripped the right for me to watch them home and away.”
Marc Guehi sparked controversy after writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his armbandREUTERS
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