Lloyd backs Price after crowd abuse at World Grand Prix: "It has crossed a line, it needs to stop"

Colin Lloyd was one of many darting names to back Gerwyn Price after abuse he suffered from the crowd was once again a big talking point at the World Grand Prix.

With crowds returning over the past few months, Price has continued to receive abuse stemming partly from his infamous game against Gary Anderson at the 2018 Grand Slam where he received a record fine.

'The Iceman' showed his displeasure at the reaction calling the crowd 'pathetic' and for 'Jaws', he believes it needs to stop.

"It has [crossed a line]. It needs to stop," he said on The Darts Show podcast.

"Gezzy Price goes up there, he's doing his job. He's the world champion and the world number one. Show him a bit of respect. I've had the privilege and pleasure of chatting with Gezzy. And I've seen people come up to him in the hotel foyer. They stand there waiting patiently, 'Can I have a photo?' 'Yeah, of course you can'. He has a big smile on his face, shakes your hand, has a photo, he's got all the time in the world for everyone.

"But some of these fans, they've got to realise, it's your job. He's going to work. He needs to do what's beneficial for himself when he's up there. It's a very selfish, lonely sport as an individual.

"There's no need to abuse him. He's actually a really nice fellow. It just so happens that he's a good darts player. He's one of the greats.

"Look what he's done over the past two to three years. The transition he has made from running around on a rugby field with a team, where he's got the support of his team-mates. He's doing something now where he's an individual and he's done the right things. He's got a very selfish attitude. That doesn't make him a bad person. He's not a bad person. He's just a lovely fella. But he's going to work.

"Not everyone goes to work with a smile on their face. It's called life.

"But for me, I think personally that the PDC should address this. That's what we have a referee for. A referee should [step in] a little bit more. Sometimes it can make the situation worse, so the referee has to read the situation as well. Pull the crowd into order.

"Me as a former top darts player, I would say to the crowd 'give a little bit of respect, even if you don't like a fella. Have you actually met him? Have you had a conversation with him? Because that would really change your mind.'

"Show the guy some respect. He's been a great champion, he's been a great ambassador for the game of darts."