The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has issued a stern warning to fans following disruptive behaviour during Thursday’s Premier League Darts night at the Ovo Arena in Glasgow. Spectators were heard whistling and heckling players as they prepared to throw, leading to tensions both on stage and off.
Gerwyn Price responded to a heckler during his semi-final match against Luke Humphries, and later in the final, world number one Humphries faced similar treatment as he lost 6-5 to Luke Littler. Referee Kirk Bevin took to the microphone late in the match to appeal for an end to the whistling and jeering, but the intervention only seemed to exacerbate the disruption.
Luke Littler, the reigning world champion and Premier League title-holder, expressed his frustration after the match, describing the situation as “pretty bad”. The PDC responded with a statement emphasising that it does not condone any behaviour that disrupts an event, such as whistling or booing when players are throwing.
“Every player goes on stage with the intention of performing to the best of their ability and providing an entertaining spectacle for all fans,” the statement read. The PDC reminded spectators that, as per the terms and conditions of entry, those who act inappropriately can be removed from the venue. It added that it works closely with Premier League venues to take proactive action against such behaviour.
The Premier League continues with night three in Dublin on 20 February. Luke Humphries currently leads the table with eight points, followed by Littler on five and Michael van Gerwen on four.
