The electric atmosphere of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace has long been one of the sport’s greatest assets, with fancy-dressed crowds creating a carnival-like vibe that sets darts apart from many other competitions. However, amid the cheers, 180s, and walk-on anthems, a growing issue has emerged: disruptive behaviour from some spectators, particularly whistling during players’ throws. Nathan Aspinall, the popular English star known as “The Asp,” has stepped forward with a strong stance, demanding that organisers impose severe penalties to stamp out such antics.
Aspinall, a former UK Open and World Matchplay champion, has voiced his frustration over fans who whistle while players are at the oche, describing it as a major distraction that undermines the professionalism of the event. He has previously called out such behaviour during European Tour events, urging crowds to “enjoy the darts” instead of acting like “muppets.” Now, in the midst of this year’s World Championship, the 34-year-old has escalated his plea, advocating for a five-year ban on any spectator caught whistling during throws. “I’ve said in EuroTours, in my on-stage interviews, ‘Will you just stop whistling? Enjoy the darts, stop being muppets,'” he recalled, highlighting how his comments have even gone viral on social media.
This call for stringent measures comes as the tournament has seen its fair share of crowd-related incidents, amplifying debates about where to draw the line between passionate support and outright disruption. Whistling, in particular, has become a recurring complaint among players, as it can throw off concentration at critical moments—when a dart is mid-flight or a player is lining up a crucial double. Aspinall believes that only heavy punishments will deter offenders and send a clear message. He argues that organisers need to make a “statement of intent” to protect the integrity of the game, ensuring that the focus remains on the arrows rather than unruly elements in the stands.
The Stockport thrower is no stranger to the highs and lows of Ally Pally. Having reached semi-finals in the past and battled through personal challenges, including injury setbacks, Aspinall knows the mental fortitude required to succeed in this pressure-cooker environment. His own performances this year have been solid: he advanced comfortably with wins over Lourence Ilagan and Leonard Gates, though he admitted to playing “pretty average” at times while soaking up the crowd’s support. Facing Kevin Doets in the third round on December 29, Aspinall is aware of the challenge ahead—the Dutchman has dominated their head-to-head record recently—but he’s determined to elevate his game.
Broader context adds weight to Aspinall’s demands. The World Championship’s unique party atmosphere is beloved, but it has occasionally spilled over into controversy. From political chants that broadcasters have had to mute to other distractions, players increasingly voice concerns about maintaining fairness. Aspinall’s proposal for five-year bans aligns with calls from others in the sport for stricter enforcement, potentially including ejections, fines, or longer prohibitions for repeat offenders. Supporters argue that such steps would preserve the fun while eliminating actions that genuinely affect outcomes.
As the tournament hurtles toward its later stages, with defending champion Luke Littler and heavyweights like Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen still in contention, the debate over crowd conduct is unlikely to fade. Aspinall’s outspoken position has sparked discussion among fans and pundits alike—some praise him for defending the players, while others worry about stifling the raucous spirit that makes darts special. Yet, with record prize money on offer, including £1 million for the winner in this expanded field, the stakes are higher than ever. Professionalism on stage demands respect from the sidelines, and Aspinall is leading the charge to ensure that’s upheld.
The action resumes with high-stakes matches, where every leg could hinge on split-second focus. If disruptive incidents continue, expect more players to echo Aspinall’s sentiments. For now, his bold call serves as a reminder: the World Championship thrives on its fans, but boundaries are essential to keep the sport at its thrilling best.