Gerywn Price response says all of it after flashpoint as referee sends sturdy message
The Professional Darts Corporation has taken a firm stance on player behaviour in recent years, but the crowd have also been told off after a number of incidents, especially surrounding Gerwyn Price
Darts official Huw Ware was compelled to halt Gerwyn Price’s Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final to reprimand spectators for their poor conduct.
The Welsh ace progressed to the semi-finals following a commanding 16-9 victory over Ricky Evans, setting up a tantalising clash with world number one Luke Humphries.
The referee felt obliged to address the crowd in Wolverhampton after The Iceman scored 140, delivering a stern rebuke to those present.
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While the exact nature of the incident that prompted the official’s intervention remains unclear, it’s believed he was criticising the whistling from supporters.
Such disruptions have become an increasingly frequent nuisance for darts professionals as the sport reaches unprecedented popularity levels.
Price remains one of the most divisive personalities in the game, with several notable controversies at the oche in recent times.
On Friday, following Price’s near-maximum attempt and before the score could be called, Ware said: “Would you stop doing that, please? Seriously.”
The 40-year-old initially looked taken aback as he glanced towards the audience, breaking out a grin.
Despite the hostile reception, Price managed to defeat Evans with an impressive average exceeding 99.
Throughout the competition, he has topped Group D after victories against James Wade and Stefan Bellmont, before dispatching Martin Schindler in the second round.
Reflecting on his triumph over Evans, Price commented: “I was quite calm apart from halfway through.
“I saw Ricky getting them [the crowd] up, but I was like, ‘I’m giving that back, I have to.
“I love Ricky, he’s a great player, he’s in some great form. He’s been fantastic over the last couple of months.
“I’m coming back to my best. I’m not there yet.”
Saturday will see the completion of the route to the final as the remaining quarter-finals unfold on the other side of the draw.
Luke Littler, who is chasing the world number one spot, faces Josh Rock whilst in the other last-eight clash, Danny Noppert squares off against Lukas Wenig following his Wednesday victory over Michael van Gerwen.
Price stands just one match away from the final and an opportunity to claim the winner’s prize (£150,000) from the £650,000 total pot.
This wouldn’t mark the first occasion Price has engaged in exchanges with spectators at darts events. Most memorably, during the quarter-finals at the World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace in 2023, he donned ear defenders in an attempt to shut out the hostile crowd noise.
Despite his efforts, the tactic backfired as it became more of a hindrance than a help, with Price suffering a 5-1 defeat to Germany’s Gabriel Clemens.
The incident prompted the Professional Darts Corporation to amend their regulations, which now stipulate: “Players are not permitted to wear earphones, headphones or headphone-type ear defenders during the throw at the bull prior to the match or during matchplay.”
