Sutton United says it postponed a match against Ebbsfleet United "through an abundance of caution" following the club's signing of a transgender goalkeeper.

Sunday's match in the London & South East Regional Premier Division was postponed less than three hours before kick-off.

The club has hit back at reports the game against Ebbsfleet United at the Kuflink Stadium in Stonebridge Road, Northfleet on Sunday (Sept 1) was postponed due to team opposition to newly-signed transgender goalie Blair Hamilton.

Explaining it was due to an “abundance of caution” on player well-being, the statement said: “The well-being and safety of all our players is of paramount importance to us and it was through an abundance of caution on this subject that the decision was made to postpone the match on Sunday.”

It added: ““We will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines our values or puts anyone’s health or safety in jeopardy.

“Our primary focus remains on handling this situation with the utmost sensitivity and respect for the individuals involved, the club and the broader community.”

Blair was signed this season by transgender manager Lucy Clark and the statement demonstrated the club’s support for Ms Clark.

“Following recent media reports regarding our women’s team and a recent player addition, the Board would like to take this opportunity to express our full support of Lucy Clark in her decision to recruit based on ability, character and commitment to the team —criteria that apply to all players and the values of Sutton United Football Club.”

“We understand the sensitivity surrounding the issue of trans women in sports, and the club have followed all Football Association (FA) protocols and have confirmed that the player’s involvement is fully compliant with all legal and regulatory guidelines.

“We will continue to work with the FA and other relevant bodies to ensure that we remain in full compliance with all relevant regulations, and we will continue to support any player who represents our club with pride and integrity.”

Speaking before the latest statement was released, Ebbsfleet’s chief executive Damian Irvine told KentOnline: “Sutton United emailed us at 11.12am, kick off was due at 2pm. Our stadium was prepared and staff were on site.

“We had no prior knowledge or reason to believe the match would not go ahead as scheduled.”

Asked whether his team would have been happy to play alongside Blair Hamilton, Mr Irvine said: “Ebbsfleet United had no part in the postponement and will therefore have no issues in fulfilling all fixtures in future as per our obligations.”