"Why is he just standing there?": Mike de Decker hits out at silent referee for failing to control whistling during Littler loss
PDC
The behavior of some fans during the match between Mike de Decker and Luke Littler was a big blemish on a wonderful night of darts at the Grand Slam of Darts on Thursday night.
The Belgian darter was on his way to a superb win against the 17-year-old Littler, but was thrown off his game by the misbehavior from some fans. Every time De Decker took to the oche, individuals whistled. De Decker failed to silence the crowd for good, and Littler turned the 4-8 deficit into a 10-9 victory.
"You know the crowd is part of it, but the fans were totally unfair here. Of course I have to throw those darts in myself, but it's really a shame,'" De Decker responded afterwards to Viaplay.
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Although De Decker did his best to keep his frustrations in check, an accusing finger came to referee Kirk Bevins afterward. "If you say something about it and nothing is done about it.... Then why is he just standing there? That's what he's an referee for, right? If we as darters do something wrong, you hear them right away. But if he won't even use his microphone here to ask for respect.... I don't get that."
When the Belgian was leading 6-4 at the second break, he decided to use the break to ask the referee to say something about it. To Decker's incomprehension, Bevins decided not to do anything about it. "If you just ask him to ask for respect for both darters, suddenly you can't do that. That doesn't go in with me. If he had just said something, it would have been fine. Then if the fans keep going on about it, there's nothing else you can do about it. Then I have to deal with it, but at least it has been said."
Reporter Arjan van der Giessen then asked De Decker if he is going to file a complaint about this with the PDC, but 'The Real Deal' doesn't see that. "You won't get anywhere with that. There's no point, because nothing happens anyway. It's sad that this is how the world works. Apparently this is part and parcel of matches against Luke Littler. He is the poster boy of the PDC. It's a shame, but that's the way it is.''
LITTLER WINS A THRILLER! ☢️
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 14, 2024
Luke Littler completes a sensational comeback!
The Nuke survived a match dart from Mike De Decker in an incredible contest!
📺 https://t.co/lkfAqflnXa #2024GSOD | L16 pic.twitter.com/NH0mJFTeGA
It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.
@UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...
Many fans had a sour taste in their mouth by the end of this match. Mike was cruising to victory, playing beautiful darts, when the whistling started in earnest, particularly on his doubles. You could see in Mike's face that it was really affecting his concentration. The referee should have asked for order, just to show that the whistling is unacceptable, and Luke Littler could also have done his part to quieten down the crowd instead of "taking full advantage.:" I put that down to his age though. He needs some good advice on this from his management team and/or more seasoned players. It's got to be about who's best on the night, not who is being harassed by the crowd. Luke Littler played well to get back into the game and win, but it was a hollow victory. If he goes on to win the tournament, that triumph too will be tainted because of this match.
Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.
So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.
I dont like individuals or crowds trying to put any player off when they are trying to check out, how anyone can think its okay for the crowd to whistle or shout as someone is throwing for a double is beyond me but it does seem to have become part and parcel of the modern game. I no longer play now, darts is as good as dead at a local level round my way but when i did play many years ago, no matter how intense the rivalry you never shouted out or whistled when an opponent from the other team was throwing for a double.
Say what? It happens in other countries; Littler in January - this year (Holland), go and watch the evidence on YouTube. If it is going to be done to English players, then we are more than entitled to dish the same back when players face off in England. When it happened to Littler in Holland in January... where was your outrage then? ABE attitude.
Am not outraged and as said above i dont like anyone from any country doing it to anyone from any country. Whoever is going for a double should have best of order.
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