Glasgow Darts Fans Throw Objects on Stage Causing Player Concern

Objects like coins and pints of lager were thrown onto the stage during Premier League Darts in Glasgow. This is worse than usual crowd noise.
By Newsroom | Sports, UK |

Disruption on the Stage

During a Premier League Darts event in Glasgow, the atmosphere soured as audience members threw objects onto the stage. This included coins and pints of lager, creating a hostile environment for the players. One player, Adrian Lewis, who has previously competed in the Premier League and is a two-time world champion, described the experience as "not the best."

Premier League Darts' darkest day saw coins and lager hurled on Glasgow stage - 1

Context of the Incident

The incidents occurred during Premier League Darts fixtures held in Glasgow. Reports indicate that these disruptions have happened on multiple occasions, with a notable instance in March 2011. During this time, Adrian Lewis was facing Gary Anderson, a Scottish player. Lewis had recently defeated Anderson in a World Championship final.

Premier League Darts' darkest day saw coins and lager hurled on Glasgow stage - 2

  • The timing of matches, specifically playing as the last game of the evening, has been cited as a potential factor. This may have allowed more time for alcohol consumption among the crowd, contributing to the rowdiness.

  • Other events occurring in Glasgow around the same time, such as a football match involving Rangers, have also been mentioned as potentially contributing to a tense atmosphere.

  • Beyond object-throwing, excessive booing and whistling have also been reported during Premier League Darts nights in Glasgow, with some fans labelling the crowd behaviour as "embarrassing" and "pathetic."

Evidence of Disturbance

  • Multiple reports confirm that coins and pints of lager were thrown onto the stage during the event.

  • Adrian Lewis himself has spoken about having coins thrown at him, stating, "The thing was, I mean, them coins could have gone anywhere." He also recalled an instance where a darts star admitted to deliberately losing a match after witnessing an opponent being pelted with objects.

  • One report describes a particular night as "one of the worst" due to excessive noise from the crowd, disrupting play.

Player Perspectives

Adrian Lewis's Account

Adrian Lewis has been vocal about his experiences in Glasgow. While he acknowledged that playing the last game of the night might have exacerbated the situation, he also noted that the thrown coins posed a risk. Despite not counting Glasgow among his favorite venues, Lewis has also expressed some understanding of the crowds.

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Other Player Experiences

Another player, who is not named in the reports but is implied to be a fellow competitor of Lewis, spoke of witnessing an opponent being subjected to a barrage of beer and coins. This player admitted to not wanting to win a game under such circumstances.

Premier League Darts' darkest day saw coins and lager hurled on Glasgow stage - 4

Fan and Media Reaction

  • The conduct of some fans at the Glasgow event has drawn criticism, with social media users labelling the crowd behaviour as "embarrassing" and "pathetic."

  • There are suggestions that the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) should reconsider hosting events in Glasgow.

  • Videos have been shared showing a hostile atmosphere during matches, even when the game itself was a notable comeback.

Analysis of Contributing Factors

  • The intensity of the matches, particularly when a local hero is playing, could contribute to heightened crowd emotions.

  • The timing of events, such as late-night fixtures, may play a role in escalating crowd behaviour.

  • External factors, like the outcome of other sporting events in the city, could potentially influence the mood of attendees.

Conclusion and Implications

The Premier League Darts events in Glasgow have been marred by disruptive crowd behaviour, including the throwing of objects and excessive noise. While players like Adrian Lewis have directly experienced this hostility, the incidents have led to broader criticism of fan conduct and venue choices. The pattern of behaviour suggests a need for the organisers to address crowd management at future events in the city to ensure player safety and the integrity of the sport. Further investigation into the specific circumstances of each incident, including security measures in place, would be beneficial.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did some fans throw objects at the Premier League Darts event in Glasgow?
Some fans threw objects like coins and pints of lager onto the stage during Premier League Darts matches in Glasgow. This happened on multiple occasions, creating a difficult environment for the players.
Q: Which darts player spoke about having objects thrown at him in Glasgow?
Darts player Adrian Lewis spoke about having coins thrown at him during a Premier League Darts event in Glasgow. He said the experience 'wasn't the best' and that the coins could have caused injury.
Q: What other crowd behavior was reported at the Glasgow Darts event?
Besides throwing objects, fans also engaged in excessive booing and whistling during Premier League Darts nights in Glasgow. Some people called the crowd behavior 'embarrassing' and 'pathetic'.
Q: What are the possible reasons for the bad behavior at the Glasgow Darts event?
Possible reasons include matches being played late at night, which might mean fans drank more alcohol. The timing of other local events, like football matches, might also have added to a tense atmosphere.
Q: What is the impact of these incidents on future Darts events in Glasgow?
The incidents have led to criticism of fan conduct and suggestions that the organizers, the PDC, should think about holding events in Glasgow again. Player safety and the fairness of the sport are affected.