HUMPHRIES CLAIMS PLAYERS ARE ‘FED UP’ WITH FANS TRYING TO PUT THEM OFF
08/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE HUMPHRIES blasted disruptive fans after claiming top darts players are “fed up” with whistles from the stands.
The world No2 cut a frustrated figure following his dramatic 8-7 defeat to Michael van Gerwen at the Nordic Darts Masters.
Cool Hand Luke believed one noisy Dane in particular crossed the line by repeatedly trying to put him off during the match.
Humphries admitted the hostile atmosphere got under his skin as he opened up on the growing issue of crowd behaviour in darts.
He said: “It was harsh at the start. You’re getting whistled and booed.
“Boos are fine, it’s the whistling when you’re on important doubles. It’s disappointing.
“As players it really is because I’m up here to give them guys entertainment.
“When you’re stood up here, you just want to play well. People are giving you whistles on important doubles.
“I’m up here to win titles, guys. In a way, you just feel a little bit disappointed. It’s hard work in the end.
“I’m just disappointed in the early moments that people were trying to put me off. I think all the players are fed up with it now.”
Three-time world champ Van Gerwen admitted some supporters can go too far after a few drinks but urged players not to react.
He added: “There’s always a few guys who are a bit annoying, who’ve drunk too much, but that’s the way it is.
“You need to take it and don’t give them too much energy. Because if you give them any joy, they’re going to keep doing it.
“Darts is getting bigger and bigger all the time. And then you also have people like that, unfortunately.
“Don’t give them any attention. Then they will stop. Then they don’t enjoy the moment.
“That’s the only thing I can imagine. That’s the only thing I can think of.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
