Opera Singer Ref Gets Cold Shoulder from Aspinall - "Not for me," says Darts Star

By Lewis Barnett 5 May, 2025 5 mins read 51 Views

I saw the weirdest thing on my commute yesterday. There I was, scrolling through darts highlights on my phone (yes, I'm that person on public transport), when this referee starts belting out "ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTYYYYY" like he's auditioning for The Phantom of the Opera. Nearly dropped my coffee all over teh businessman next to me.

Turns out I'm not the only one who found it jarring. Nathan Aspinall, currently ranked 8th in the world, has come out and admitted he's not exactly a fan of darts' newest theatrical referee, Franz Engerer.

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The German Eye Candy That's Dividing Darts

Engerer, just 24 years old, has absolutely exploded on social media lately. His operatic "180" calls during Euro Tour matches have made him something of an overnight sensation. Laura Woods even dubbed him "German eye candy" - which, having seen the clips, isn't exactly an inaccurate description. The guy looks like he could've walked straight off a cologne advertisement.

But Aspinall? He's having none of it.

"You know what? I was on a train and I was watching the game," he told talkSPORT with a laugh. "He was shouting and I was like, 'I actually don't think I could play if he was reffing.' I just don't like the call. Nothing against the guy. Don't sack him. It's not for me."

Wait... a singing darts referee?

Listen. I've been watching darts for years and this is definitely a first. Engerer isn't just randomly belting out numbers - the guy has serious musical training. He's been taking singing lessons adn performing in choirs since seventh grade, doing everything from operas to musicals and solos. He's even a saxophone player when he's not at the oche!

God. Remember when darts was just a bunch of slightly overweight blokes throwing pointy things at a board while drinking beer? The sport has come a LONG way since 2018 when I first started following it seriously.

The Marmite Effect (You Either Love Him or Hate Him)

Engerer seems fully aware that his style isn't everyone's cup of tea. "Most of the feedback has been really lovely," he explained. "Of course, not everyone's a fan – and that's fine, especially with how unique my 180 is – but it's amazing to get that recognition."

The young ref started his journey into darts officiating at grassroots competitions like the PDC Europe Super League. After getting positive feedback (presumably from people who enjoy opera with their arrows), he applied for a caller position and has since become one of the most talked-about figures on the PDC tour.

I showed my roommate some clips last night. His response: "Is this guy for real or some kind of performance art project?"

Aspinall Draws the Line

While Aspinall isn't calling for Engerer to lose his job, he's made it pretty clear he'd prefer not to have the operatic official during his matches. Can't really blame him - imagine trying to concentrate on a crucial double while knowing your next 180 might trigger an aria.

It's worth noting that Aspinall has been having a pretty decent season despite some ups and downs. His candid comments about Engerer feel refreshingly honest in a sport that's increasingly image-conscious.

I spent $40 on tickets to a darts event last month, and part of me is now disappointed I didn't get to experience the Engerer phenomenon in person. Though my friend who hates any kind of attention-seeking behavior would've probably walked out.

The Future of Flamboyant Officiating

So what happens now? Will the PDC embrace Engerer's theatrical style as something that brings new eyes to the sport? Or will they ask him to tone it down to avoid distracting the players?

Poor Engerer. Caught between viral fame and professional criticism.

My guess is they'll find some middle ground - maybe save him for exhibition matches or pair him with players who don't mind the extra flair. Either way, he's certainly made his mark on the sport like a ghost at a family reunion - impossible to ignore and leaving everyone with an opinion.

For now, if you're curious about the singing referee phenomenon, there are plenty of clips online. Just maybe don't blast them at full volume on public transport. Trust me on that one.

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.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

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.

I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?

This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

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.

Statistics

Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
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.

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Choosing Your First Set of Darts

When I started out, I grabbed whatever cheap darts came with the board I bought at Target. BIG mistake. The flights (those wing things at the back) kept falling off, and the tips bent after just a few throws. After wasting about $30 on those garbage darts, I finally invested in a decent tungsten set.