PDC release statement after crowd whistling mars Premier League night in Glasgow

The PDC has released a statement condemning the whistling which overshadowed Thursday’s Premier League Darts visit to Glasgow.

Whistling was repeatedly heard from sections of the crowd at the OVO Hydro, forcing referee Kirk Bevins to intervene and call for order on multiple occasions.

The whistling began during the semi-final between Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price – who made a light-hearted whistling gesture back to the crowd towards the end of the contest.

It then surfaced again during the final between Humphries and Luke Littler, visibly distracting the two players and prompting Bevins to plead with the crowd to “stop whistling”.

Littler, who eventually defeated Humphries in a deciding leg to claim the Night Two title, said in his post-match interview: “It was a weird final.

“We both weren’t playing well. I was looking up at the screen and we both had a 90 average.

“Obviously the crowd got involved. Kirk made them worse and I missed my shot and Luke went 5-4 up.

“They were a few [audience members] who were doing it in particular when Luke was throwing.

“When Kirk told them to be quiet it got even worse and then I missed doubles, Luke breaks at 5-4 and I was just like ‘Kirk you’ve made it worse for me there’.

“But I broke back and held my throw strongly again.

“Obviously they’ve got to step in and say something but yeah, that was pretty bad.” 

The PDC addressed the issue by releasing the following statement on Friday:

‘Following Thursday’s Premier League Darts night in Glasgow, the PDC wishes to strongly reiterate that it does not condone any behaviour which can disrupt 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, whether in the venue or watching worldwide.

‘As per the terms and conditions of entry to events, spectators who act inappropriately can be removed from the venue.

‘The PDC works closely with Premier League venues, who have responsibility for crowd control, to take proactive and decisive action against those who behave inappropriately.

‘The vast majority of fans who attend our sell-out events on a regular basis also condemn this behaviour and we will continue to promote a positive atmosphere which gives all players the opportunity to play to the best of their ability in every match.’