Nicholson discusses social media criticism surrounding Sherrock: "People have used her situation and caused this toxic caldron"
PDC
Paul Nicholson has hit back at critics of Fallon Sherrock who for many has become a polarising figure despite bringing new eyes onto the game due to her exploits at the Alexandra Palace and further afield blazing a history making trail.
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In his latest column for Sporting Life, Nicholson said that social media has become a toxic cauldron for this to brew and that while constructive viewpoints especially regarding a hot topic in the Premier League are welcomed, those less constructive should not be aimed at the 27-year-old.
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"The whole Fallon Sherrock debate isn’t about Fallon Sherrock as a person or player. Her name and performances are simply being used by social media users and personalities as an inflammatory topic to get themselves interaction with others," said Nicholson on Sporting Life.
"It’s not about her. She’s done nothing to inflame anyone or anything. In fact she’s been classy from the start. She’s mentioned Lisa’s achievements, congratulated others, celebrated her own achievements and done her best.
"But people have used her situation and caused this toxic caldron just to make themselves more relevant.
"Obviously there have been fellow pundits like Wayne Mardle and Laura Turner - as well as players including Peter Wright - bigging her up for Premier League selection but their reasons are very fairly based on her undeniable brilliance on stage last year and also the undoubted widespread appeal she has.
"Constructively disagreeing with these valid views is fine, but why spread hate and mock anyone for them? And certainly don’t aim it at Fallon! Sky Sports doing montages on Fallon isn’t her fault – and they’re not her idea either!"
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"She’s young, has superb ability, immense character and is also being used as a vehicle to bring more women into the game.
"The debate surrounding her is generally good but unfortunately the social media activity inflames it to toxicity.
"Why do people want her to fail? The British sporting culture perhaps? We now need to focus on being positive instead of being sensationalist and tabloid."

Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
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