SPRINGER BLASTS CROWD AS MATCH MARRED BY WHISTLES
15/03/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
NIKO SPRINGER admits he felt “ASHAMED” after boos and whistles overshadowed his victory at the European Darts Trophy.
‘Meenzer Bub’ edged past Stephen Bunting 6-5 to reach the third round of the event in Göttingen, Germany.
But the clash was overshadowed by fans jeering and shrieking in an attempt to put Bunting off as they backed their home favourite.
Referee Huw Ware ran out of patience when the match went to a deciding leg at 5-5.
He then stopped the game and spoke directly to the fans: “I’ve asked politely once and I’ll say it impolitely: shut up please. Trying to have a game of darts up here.”
Springer showed his class at the end of the match and apologised to Bunting as he called out the minority who ruined the contest.
He said: “I have to say honestly: what happened at the end wasn’t entirely fair towards Stephen.
“I’m really sorry about that. I felt a bit ashamed. Overall the fans were really incredible.
“But like you said, there were a few people who ruined the match a little bit.”
World No.53 Springer takes on Ross Smith for a place in the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon and will be looking for revenge after a recent ProTour defeat.
He added: “Everything is step by step. It’s not quite running as smoothly as I would like.
“But it’s starting to become a bit more like the form I would like to have again. Of course not everything is perfect yet, but it’s coming back.
“There’s still a bit of a revenge feeling from the Pro Tour. That’s why I’m really looking forward to this match.”
Springer had a brilliant 2025 campaign where he picked up a maiden Euro Tour title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
But the lanky German suffered a major upset after losing 3-1 to Australian qualifier Joe Comito in round one of the World Championship.
Image by Paul Targyik.
