“There’s only so much a man can take” - Daryl Gurney reaches breaking point after "another boo festival" on the European Tour

Daryl Gurney has vowed to stop signing autographs and taking photos with fans after saying he was subjected to “another boo festival” during his Baltic Sea Darts Open defeat to Ricky Evans.

The Northern Irishman lost 6-3 in the second round on Saturday afternoon, averaging 92.32 to Evans’ 96.00. The match itself was decided by Evans’ finishing at key moments, with ‘Rapid’ taking out 121 on the bull to break for 3-1 before later landing a 114 checkout to move 5-3 ahead. He then sealed the win on double 20.

For Gurney, though, the frustration did not end with the result.

Shortly after the match, the reigning World Cup of Darts winner posted a blunt message on social media, saying his long relationship with European Tour crowds had now reached a breaking point.

Gurney wrote that he had “enjoyed playing” in Europe since 2015/16 and had made “over 100 appearances”, but said the reaction during his defeat to Evans had pushed him too far. “Today was another boo festival,” he wrote.

He then made clear that his stance on fan interaction has changed as a result, adding: “From now on I will not be signing or doing any more pictures with anyone, so please don’t ask. There’s only so much a person/man can take.”

After more than 100 appearances in Europe, Gurney says the autographs and photos will now stop.

The message came after a match in which Evans did plenty right on the board. After holding throw in the opener, the Englishman moved 2-1 ahead with a 54 checkout before producing the first major moment of the contest, a 12-darter finished by that 121 checkout on the bull.

Gurney responded on double five to cut the gap to 3-2, but Evans struck again later in the match. His 114 checkout to break for 5-3 left Gurney with too much to do, and double 20 completed the 6-3 win.

Gurney’s post follows other crowd-behaviour flashpoints on the European Tour in 2026.

Stephen Bunting has spoken out this season after being affected by whistling and hostile crowd behaviour, while referee Huw Ware intervened during Gerwyn Price’s win over Dave Chisnall at the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen after whistling disrupted the match.

Now Gurney has added his own public message after the Baltic Sea Darts Open. His wording was direct, and the consequence was clear. After what he described as “another boo festival”, he says he will no longer sign autographs or pose for pictures.

Evans moved on in the tournament after a strong 6-3 win. Gurney left with a defeat and a social media post that put the European Tour crowd debate back in focus.