Nathan Aspinall criticizes referee Franz Engerer: "I actually don’t think I could play if he was reffing"

With his operatic way of celebrating the 180, Franz Engerer has quickly achieved cult status among darts fans - but not everyone is a fan of the extraordinary caller style. In an interview with talkSPORT, England's top star Nathan Aspinall was critical of the German PDC Europe referee.

“You know what? I was on a train and I was watching the game," said the world number eight with a laugh to talkSPORT.

“He was shouting and I was like, ‘I actually don’t think I could play if he was reffing. Nothing against the guy. I just don’t like the call so I hope he doesn’t like my games. Don’t sack him. It’s not for me.”

Engerer, who only made his debut on the big European Tour stage this year, quickly made a name for himself with his unique style. His musically inspired 180 call in particular regularly generates viral reactions on social media.

In an exclusive interview with Dartsnews.com during the German Darts Grand Prix 2025 in Munich, the 24-year-old was relaxed in dealing with criticism: “Most of the feedback has been really lovely,” Engerer shared to DartsNews.com. “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. People come up to me asking for photos, and that’s just surreal.”

Engerer, who has been taking singing lessons and performing in choirs since his school days, has been working on his signature call for years - deliberately with a personal touch. “I’ve been a huge fan for years and watched everything I could. The atmosphere in the halls is unlike anything else in sport. To be a part of that now is just incredible—especially since I was never good enough to make it as a player."

Even if not every player warms to the "German Eye Candy", as he is jokingly known, one thing seems certain: Engerer brings a breath of fresh air to the stage - and has already won the hearts of many darts fans with his style.