LONDON — English darts star Nathan Aspinall has made a bold call for drastic action against spectators whose behaviour he says is damaging the integrity of professional darts, proposing five-year bans for anyone caught whistling to disrupt players during matches at major events like the PDC World Darts Championship. (SPORTbible)
Aspinall, one of the sport’s most respected competitors and a two-time major champion, has become increasingly frustrated with what he describes as anti-social antics from sections of the crowd — particularly whistling during critical throws, which he argues breaks players’ concentration at crucial moments. (Oche 180)
“You pay your money to watch good darts, and you’re preventing good darts,” Aspinall said in previous comments about whistling at events, reflecting wider concerns among players about crowd conduct. (Dartsnews.com)
The Catalyst: World Championship Disruptions
The issue came into sharp focus during the recent 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London. Aspinall, competing in the early rounds, said he was repeatedly affected by disruptive whistles during his match against Dutch opponent Kevin Doets, a contest he ultimately lost 4–3 — a result he and others feel was influenced by interruptions from the crowd. (Yahoo Sports UK)
Speaking ahead of the match, Aspinall suggested that simply removing unruly fans from arenas isn’t enough and that lengthy attendance bans could act as a stronger deterrent:
“I think the people that get caught shouldn’t just get kicked out — they should get banned for, say, five years… then maybe they’ll think twice.” (Oche 180)
He argued that at the elite level, even a single missed dart from distraction can affect the outcome of a match. (Oche 180)
Wider Player Backing and Rising Tensions
Aspinall isn’t alone in his frustration. Other players — including Ricardo Pietreczko and Mike De Decker — have publicly criticised crowd behaviour at professional events, describing whistling and targeted disruption as serious issues that break players’ rhythm on the oche. (The Sun)
Fans at high-profile competitions have long brought a raucous party atmosphere, but recent behaviour — including whistles timed to coincide with throws — has drawn complaints from players and officials alike. Referees have even had to intervene during other tournaments to warn crowds to stop disruptive whistles. (Sky Sports)
Response from the PDC
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has previously issued statements condemning disruptive crowd behaviour, affirming that spectators who act inappropriately “can be removed from the venue” under event terms and conditions. The organisation says it works with venues to promote positive atmospheres that allow players to perform at their best. (PDC)
However, Aspinall and others feel that existing measures — mainly removal from the venue — do not go far enough to prevent repeat offenders from returning and causing further chaos.
What’s Next?
As the World Championship and other major events continue, the debate over crowd conduct is likely to intensify. Aspinall’s call for multi-year bans for disruptive fans has sparked discussion within the darts community about how best to balance the electric live atmosphere that fans enjoy with fair conditions for competitors.
Whether the PDC will consider integrating some form of extended bans into their disciplinary framework remains to be seen — but with increasing player pressure, the issue is unlikely to fade quickly from the headlines.
