Why Emma Paton was booed by darts crowd after deleting Premier League tweet
Emma Paton has become a familiar face to darts fans in recent years – and the Sky Sports presenter has endured her fair share of tough on-air moments
Emma Paton has become a beloved figure at the darts(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Emma Paton is as synonymous with darts on Sky Sports as Wayne Mardle and Michael van Gerwen’s trademark fist-pumps.
The 31-year-old has fronted flagship tournaments such as the World Darts Championship and the Premier League of Darts for a number of seasons, winning widespread praise for her warmth, energy and on-screen presence. Even so, she is no stranger to the occasional uncomfortable live moment.
During a broadcast for last season’s Premier League event, Paton had to quickly remove a post on social media after a string of technical glitches disrupted coverage. On Night 5 in Brighton, the transmission repeatedly dropped out, leaving viewers to miss several big moments.
When Luke Humphries produced a spectacular nine-darter against Rob Cross in their quarter-final clash, Paton shared her reaction on X, writing: “I REALLY HOPE YOU ALL SAW THAT,” alongside three laughing emojis and three crying emojis. Just a short time later, however, the message was deleted.
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Then, a few weeks after that on Night 11 in Rotterdam, Paton found herself being loudly booed by the enthusiastic Dutch crowd inside the Ahoy Arena. The so-called ‘abuse’ was clearly tongue-in-cheek, with fans also jeering whenever the cameras moved away from her, teasingly implying they wanted more screen time.
The playful heckling started as Paton stepped out to introduce the night’s fixtures. While she spoke to the noisy audience, a chorus of good-humoured boos swept through the arena. Rather than being unsettled, she grinned, acknowledged the crowd’s mischief and carried on presenting with her usual calm confidence.
Soon after, Paton took to X to joke about the lively reaction. “Well, that was a warm Rotterdam welcome,” she posted, adding a laughing emoji. The message quickly attracted attention, with supporters applauding her relaxed response.
One fan replied: “You’re a legend, Emma! Only in darts would they boo and love you at the same time!” Another commented: “Handled like a pro. Keep shining!”
The 2026 Premier League of Darts kicks off in Newcastle on Thursday night, featuring three alterations from last year’s line-up. Gian van Veen, Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock replace Rob Cross, Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall.
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Luke Littler opens his campaign against last month’s World Championship final opponent, Van Veen, who is making his first appearance in the event. Reigning champion Luke Humphries begins against Gerwyn Price, while Michael van Gerwen goes head-to-head with Stephen Bunting and fellow newcomer Rock faces Clayton.
Four of the eight competitors have previously lifted the Premier League trophy, with Humphries triumphing in 2025, Littler in 2024, Clayton in 2021 and Van Gerwen securing the title seven times – in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
