Darts referee Huw Ware stepped in to halt Gerwyn Price’s Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final clash to caution spectators over their poor sportsmanship. The Welsh star progressed to the semi-finals following a commanding 16-9 victory against Ricky Evans, setting up an enticing encounter with world number one Luke Humphries.

The official felt obliged to address the Wolverhampton crowd through his microphone following The Iceman’s 140 score, reprimanding those present. Whilst the precise nature of the incident remains unclear, it is believed he was criticising the whistling, with some spectators also reporting “screams” during Price’s throws.

Such disruptions have become an increasingly familiar nuisance for darts professionals in recent years as the sport continues its meteoric rise in popularity. Price remains one of the most divisive personalities in the game, having been involved in numerous controversial moments at the oche throughout his career.

On Friday evening, following Price’s near-maximum attempt, Ware intervened before announcing the score, stating: “Would you stop doing that, please? Seriously.”

The 40-year-old initially looked taken aback as he glanced towards the audience, showing a slight grin.

Price managed to overcome the hostile atmosphere to defeat Evans with an impressive average of over 99. His tournament campaign has seen him finish top of Group D, securing victories over James Wade and Stefan Bellmont before dispatching Martin Schindler in the second round.

Reflecting on his triumph against Evans, Price said: “I was quite calm apart from halfway through. I saw Ricky getting them [the crowd] up, but I was like, ‘I’m giving that back, I have to. I love Ricky, he’s a great player, he’s in some great form. He’s been fantastic over the last couple of months.

“I’m coming back to my best. I’m not there yet.”

Saturday will see the completion of the route to the final as the remaining quarter-finals unfold on the other side of the draw.

Luke Littler, who could claim the world number one spot, faces Josh Rock, whilst Danny Noppert meets Lukas Wenig following his victory over Michael van Gerwen on Wednesday.

Price stands just one victory away from the final and an opportunity to claim the champion’s prize of £150,000 from the total pot of £650,000.

This isn’t Price’s first clash with spectators at darts events. Most memorably, during his quarter-final at the 2023 World Championships at Alexandra Palace, he wore ear defenders to shut out the hostile crowd.

Yet despite his intentions, the tactic backfired as Price suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat to Germany’s Gabriel Clemens.

The incident prompted the Professional Darts Corporation to amend their regulations, which now stipulate: “Players are not permitted to wear earphones, headphones or headphone-type ear defenders during the throw at the bull prior to the match or during matchplay.”