Wayne Mardle has appealed to darts fans attending the PDC World Championships at Alexandra Palace to avoid booing players, amid controversy over Fallon Sherrock's inclusion in the tournament.
Sherrock, dubbed the 'Queen of the Palace' after her historic run to the third round in 2019/20, was handed a controversial wildcard by the Professional Darts Corporation after winning the inaugural Women's World Matchplay this year. However, two places for female players had already been filled by Lisa Ashton and Beau Greaves via the Women's Series.
Mardle, a popular pundit and former professional, had previously criticised the decision but now fears a crowd backlash against the 28-year-old. He wrote on Twitter: 'Cheer for the player you want to win, not boo the player you don’t. You guys can make the atmosphere so special. Enjoy.'
The irony of Mardle's plea was noted, as Sherrock's first run was marked by crowd jeering at her male opponents, prompting earlier calls for respectful behaviour. Meanwhile, Sherrock herself made headlines by claiming she is 'hated' by rivals on the women's tour, stating: 'I am at a point where I don't care what anyone does or says to me. It is mostly the women, I am not welcome with the women much anymore.'
