"Those that boo have got to stop" - Wayne Mardle calls for end to rowdy reception for 'nice guy' Gerwyn Price

Gerwyn Price and the paying crowd at darts tournaments have had a difficult relationship over recent years. Wayne Mardle is quietly hoping the days of the Welshman being booed off stage are nearing their end.

Mardle, himself a top player for many years and currently active as an analyst for Sky Sports, outlines the whole situation. "This started in 2018 when the fans picked their man, which was Gary Anderson," Mardle told Daily Star, referencing the infamous Grand Slam of Darts final. “From then, it’s just grown legs. Unfortunately, since then, Gerwyn Price has not helped himself by wearing headphones, earmuffs, whatever they were. He knocked himself back a couple of years there."

Nevertheless, 'Hawaii 501' is seeing signs of change in the fans' relationship with the Welshman. "In the Premier League last year, he ingratiated himself by wearing the colours of that country or region. That was a great idea, I liked that," he explains.

"What annoys me from his point of view is that Gerwyn Price is a really nice guy. I don’t think the viewer knows how nice he is," Mardle concludes. “The paying spectator just boos him because the idiot next to them does. Most of us are sheep, they hear someone booing and think they should join them. Those that boo have got to stop. Once they stop, he’ll be cheered.”