Anger as ‘tawdry’ shots of sportswomen leaked

PRIVATE photographs of female sports stars have been leaked and are being circulated on social media just days after the English Lionesses’ Euros victory over Germany.

Naked and risque pictures of high-achieving women, including one competing in the Commonwealth Games, are being shared on WhatsApp without their consent.

Another of the stars is a footballer who plays in the Women’s Super League, while a third is a well-known former England footballer.

There are also others who are unidentifiable but appear to be either team-mates or friends of the well-known faces.

All photographs have been taken in private areas that appear to be hotel rooms and shower areas.

The pictures began circulating in the run-up to last Sunday’s 2-1 Euro final victory for England at Wembley stadium, in which Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal.

It is not known how they became public, but they have been bundled together to embarrass the women – all of whom have won trophies.

One person who received the pictures said: ‘They all came together just before the Euro final. It is an obvious attempt to undermine the successes of women’s sport, which has become so successful recently.

‘It’s sad that someone decided to start this during the Euros when the Lionesses have done so well.’

Caroline Nokes, chairwoman of the UK Commons’ Women and Equalities Committee, lambasted those sharing the photographs, which she said undermined the huge success women’s sport was enjoying.

The British Conservative MP said: ‘When you’re in the middle of competing on the sporting stage you should be able to focus on what you’re doing, not have to put up with this sexist behaviour.

‘When our female sports stars are demonstrating that they are outperforming men, they should not have to put up with this tawdry objectification.’