Fans Whistling at Darts? Aspinall Loses It After Epic Price Comeback

By Lewis Barnett 6 April, 2025 5 mins read 65 Views

I was watching the International Darts Open yesterday (God, these German crowds can be something else) when Aspinall absolutely lost his mind. Can't blame him though.

The whole match was a rollercoaster. Aspinall somehow clawed back from 5-2 down against Price - you know, teh Iceman with all the muscles and attitude - to win 6-5. Should've been the story. Instead, we're talking about idiots whistling during crucial throws.

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What Actually Happened in Germany?

So there I was, beer in hand, watching Aspinall and Price battle it out in the third round. Price (who just turned 40 but still looks like he could bench press a small car) was dominating early. Then Aspinall, the 33-year-old from Stockport, staged this incredible comeback.

But a handful of absolute muppets in the crowd kept whistling during throws.

Ever tried to concentrate while someone's whistling directly behind you? Nightmare. Now imagine doing that with thousands of euros on the line.

The Throat-Slitting Moment

Aspinall finally snapped. Made this exaggerated whistling gesture with his mouth, then dragged his hand across his throat like "cut it out or else." Reminded me of when my old darts captain threatened to ban this guy Dave from our local team for similar antics. Poor Dave. He was just drunk, but still...

Listen. I've been following darts since 2018, and crowd behavior has gotten progressively worse. My buddy who works security at Premier League events bet me $20 that someone would get ejected for whistling before the season ended. I feel stupid now for taking that bet.

The Post-Match Explosion Nobody Expected

After somehow winning despite the chaos, Aspinall didn't hold back in his interview.

"All I want to say is the whistling affects us players," he started, relatively calm.

Then he went off.

"Chant or cheer, do what you want, but stop whistling regardless of whoever is playing, whether you like them or not. You pay your money to watch good darts and you're preventing that from happening."

By this point, you could see his face getting redder. The five or six troublemakers had really gotten under his skin.

Why Can't People Just Behave?

This isn't even new! The Premier League has been dealing with this garbage all season. Last month I was at the Newcastle night, adn some guy three rows behind kept whistling during Price's throws specifically. His response when confronted: "already updating my resume for when the fun police come for me." What an absolute tool.

Aspinall finished his rant with: "It annoys us as players. The five or six people in the crowd — you know who you are — just stop being idiots. Then everyone will have a laugh and have a beer to just enjoy some good darts."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

The Weird History of Darts Crowds

Remember when darts was just a bunch of slightly overweight guys throwing in smoky pubs? Now it's this massive spectacle with walk-on girls (well, until 2019), pyrotechnics, and crowds that would make football hooligans proud.

I spent $4K following the World Championship last year, and the atmosphere was electric... but respectful. That's the difference. These random events sometimes attract people who are there for the booze rather than the arrows.

Like moths to a flame, idiots find their way to sporting events.

Anyway, Aspinall's through to the next round. Let's hope the whistlers found something better to do with their Sunday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?

Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.

Statistics

The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.

External Links

How To

Setting Up Your Practice Space

The official height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor to the bullseye. The throwing line (oche) should be 7 feet 9¼ inches from the face of the board. I used to have mine hung too low and wondered why my game never improved at the pub! Measuring tape is your friend here.