‘WE’LL ban sexists instead’, was the threat from Hartlepool United after a fan demanded they bar women from their players’ lounge.

A sexist football fan tweeted the club on Saturday, saying: “Any chance we can get women barred out of the players’ lounge please? It’s a man’s sport #menneedthespacefromwomen.”

In a move that has gained nationwide support, the club tweeted back just minutes later with a stinging response.

Their reply, retweeted thousands of times, simply said: “We could bar sexists instead, if you like?”

Fans were quick to back the club, with many coming forward to voice support for their team’s stand against sexism.

Mike Benson said: “I just had to check the date. I thought it was the 60s for a second.”

Andrew Harper added: “More ladies following and playing football these days and should be appreciated and welcomed at all times at all clubs.”

Another Twitter user, combat_honey, said: “I have a feeling this guy has more space from women than he knows what to do with.”

However, the original poster remained seemingly unrepentant and stuck to his guns throughout the lively debate, insisting football was a man’s game and that he would never watch netball because it was a woman’s game, adding “they go there after doing the ironing”.