Luke Littler's complaint with PDC forced to act as Premier League darts crowd warned
Luke Littler's complaint forced the PDC to warn the Premier League darts crowd to stop whistling or risk getting thrown out of the venue. It was during his victory against Luke Humphries last February at Glasgow's OVO Hydro Arena that the raucous crowd disrupted night two's final between the two stars. The competition returns to Glasgow on Thursday in night three of the tournament.
The 18-year-old defeated his rival 6-5 in the final but the triumph wasn't without bouts of frustration due to the constant whistling from fans while both players were at the oche. The annoyance felt by Littler and Humphries was noticeable with the latter managing just 59 when needing 119 at 4-4 to check out which led to him shaking his head towards Kirk Bevins.
Bevins took his microphone and sternly shouted towards the crowd: "Stop whistling" but his request fell on deaf ears and even caused more fans to join in. Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davies took to X to slam the supporters responsible for the chaos, as she wrote: "Yet again, well done to those who paid good money to go and watch the best darts players in the world put on a show and actively contributed to them not delivering their absolute best by whistling.
"Really clever, that. There is no way you can be a fan of the sport if you do that." Following the match, Littler protested the fans' interruptions but claimed Bevins' interference made things worse. The teenager said: "Obviously, there were a few in particular that were doing it when Luke was throwing.
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"Then when Kirk told them to be quiet, it got even worse. And then I missed doubles. Luke breaks at 5-4 and I am just like: Kirk, you have made it worse for me. I'm 5-4 down. But, no, I broke back and held my throw very strongly." Littler's statement led to the PDC clamp down on the whistling as they released a statement warning fans that they'll be removed from the venue if they commit the act.
"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," the PDC said in a statement. "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.
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"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."
Littler and Humphries return to Glasgow on Thursday night but are unable to face each other until at least the final. Littler plays Michael van Gerwen in his first match up before a potential semi-final tie against Jonny Clayton or Gerwyn Price. While Humphries faces Josh Rock first up ahead of a prospective last four clash against Gian van Veen or Stephen Bunting.