The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has issued a strong statement condemning crowd disruption at Thursday’s Premier League Darts event in Glasgow.
The organisation stated it “does not condone any behaviour which can disrupt an event, such as whistling or booing when players are throwing.”
The statement came after multiple matches at the OVO Hydro were marred by crowd interference, including the final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
The PDC emphasised that players compete to provide “an entertaining spectacle for all fans” and reminded spectators that inappropriate behaviour can result in removal from venues.
Luke Littler beat Luke Humphries in the final of Night 2 at the Premier League
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Several matches throughout the night were affected by the disruptive behaviour from sections of the crowd.
Former world champion Gerwyn Price responded to crowd interference during his match against Humphries by letting out his own whistle in frustration.
Rob Cross faced similar disruption, with the crowd booing his match darts during a tight 6-5 defeat to Littler in the opening match.
The final between Littler and Humphries saw referee Kirk Bevins forced to intervene, shouting “Stop whistling” over the microphone to the crowd.
Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davies criticised the fans for “actively contributing” to players “not delivering their absolute best.”
Teenage star Littler expressed frustration with how the referee’s intervention affected his performance in the final.
“There was a few in particular that were doing it when Luke [Humphries] was throwing,” Littler told Sky Sports.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries were whistled during the final
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“Kirk told them to be quiet and it got even worse, and then I missed doubles and Luke breaks at 5-4,” he added.
The 17-year-old was particularly critical of the referee’s involvement, stating: “I’m just like, ‘Kirk, you’ve made it worse for me there, I’m 5-4 down.’ But I broke back and held my throw very strongly again.”
Despite the disruption, Littler went on to win the night’s competition.
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The PDC confirmed it will work closely with Premier League venues, who are responsible for crowd control, to take “proactive and decisive action” against disruptive behaviour.
The organisation highlighted that the “vast majority of fans” who attend their sell-out events condemn such behaviour.
The PDC emphasised its commitment to promoting “a positive atmosphere which gives all players the opportunity to play to the best of their ability in every match.”
The Premier League Darts competition continues next week at the 3Arena in Dublin.