Raging darts ref issues savage threat to ‘whistling’ crowd after dramatic scenes at European Grand Prix

Huw Ware warned that any disruptive fans would be removed after persistent whistling threatened to overshadow a high-profile clash at the European Darts Grand Prix.

The experienced Professional Darts Corporation referee was forced to step in during the second-round showdown between Dave Chisnall and Gerwyn Price, as constant whistling and jeering disrupted play inside the Glaspalast Sindelfingen.

At that stage of the match, Chisnall had edged into a 3–2 lead, but the atmosphere inside the arena in Sindelfingen, Germany, was becoming increasingly tense, with sections of the crowd making their presence felt in the wrong way.

In a dramatic intervention, Ware walked to the front of the stage, dropped to one knee, and delivered a firm and unmistakable message aimed at restoring order.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve just told security—if you carry on whistling, please do, but you will be thrown out of the venue immediately,” he announced.

Despite the disruption, the match itself was never halted, with Ware quickly returning to his position to ensure the contest continued without further delay.

Once play settled, Gerwyn Price responded in style. The world No.10 battled back to secure a 6–4 victory, producing an impressive 99.71 average to come through a tense and fiery encounter.

It’s far from the first time Ware has had to assert control in a charged environment. The Welsh official previously intervened during the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen back in March, when crowd behaviour again threatened to disrupt proceedings.

On that occasion, Stephen Bunting faced Niko Springer in front of a passionate German crowd, known for strongly backing their home favourites.

As tensions escalated in a decisive final leg, Ware once again stepped in with a clear and direct message to the crowd.

“I’ve asked politely once, and I’ll say it politely—shut up please,” he said. “We’re trying to have a game of darts up here. Make it better.”

His firm handling of both situations helped restore order, reinforcing his reputation as an official who is not afraid to take charge when the atmosphere threatens to boil over.