It was announced last week that models would no longer accompany players onto the stage at televised events. The walk-on girl tradition has been part of PDC darts for the past two decades. It was not confirmed why the decision had been made. But many inside and outside of darts have railed against "PC gone mad."
The decision has caused a raging debate, and players have got involved. Quotes by Michael van Gerwen made last year have resurfaced, in which the world number one suggested discontinuing the use of
walk-on girls would benefit the professionalisation of the sport. But the walk-on girls have received support from a number of players. Raymond van Barneveld and Ian White were vocal in their support of the models.
Daryl Gurney and Benito van de Pas are among those who have appeared to show support for the walk-on girls. Now
Michael Smith has weighed in on the debate. The St Helens ace reacted to a feature on ITV's This Morning programme. Prominent walk-on girls Daniella Allfree and Charlotte Wood appeared on the show.
"I fully support @daniellaallfree and @Charl0ttewood on this morning." Smith tweeted.
He added: "So after this now there shouldn't be a women's worlds because of gender pay, or no volleyball for women look how they dress.
"It's wrong @this morning."
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