Pop star Pink has offered to pay the fines given to the Norwegian women’s beach handball team after they refused to wear bikini bottoms at a European championship match.

The women were each fined the equivalent of £130 (150 euros) for “improper clothing” for choosing to wear shorts in their bronze final against Spain.

Writing on Twitter, the Cover Me In Sunshine singer said: “I’m VERY proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team FOR PROTESTING THE VERY SEXIST RULES ABOUT THEIR “uniform”.

“The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies.

“I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.”

The European Handball Federation said their outfit was “not according to the Athlete Uniform Regulations found in the IHF beach handball rules of the game”.

The decision to fine the women has been widely criticised and was branded “completely ridiculous” by Norwegian sports minister Abid Raja.

Former tennis champion Billie Jean King added: “The sexualisation of women athletes must stop.”

I’m VERY proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team FOR PROTESTING THE VERY SEXIST RULES ABOUT THEIR “uniform”. The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.

The team wrote on Instagram: “Thank you so much for all the support. We really appreciate all the love we have received.”

Global beach handball rules state female players must wear bikinis while their male counterparts can play in vest tops and shorts.

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The uniform guidance reads: “Athletes’ uniforms and accessories contribute to helping athletes increase their performance as well as remain coherent with the sportive and attractive image of the sport.

“Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms…with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.”

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