“Without the fans, we're nothing, but why whistle? Why spoil it?” – Jonny Clayton issues plea to fans on the eve of the World Matchplay

Jonny Clayton has issued a clear message to darts fans who start whistling during matches. The Welshman relishes the unique atmosphere created by crowds in darts, but believes that whistles at key moments can negatively affect players. According to Clayton, it pulls focus from the game and makes players think more about the next potential interruption than their own throw.

‘The Ferret’ experienced it himself during his Premier League Darts semi-final against Luke Humphries at The O2. On his road to the final Clayton was met with whistling from the crowd and saw a crucial chance slip away when he missed a match dart. That miss not only ended his title hopes, but also cost him a potential top prize of no less than £240,000.

Although Clayton was disappointed with the result, he focused his attention mainly on the behavior of a small section of the fans present. The 51-year-old highlighted that supporters are an essential part of the sport, but made it clear that, in his view, there is a line between passionate backing and deliberately unsettling an opponent.

“As a player I hope they don't do it [whistling] because it just puts doubt in a player's mind because you're just waiting for a whistle,” said Clayton. “It’s never been before so why start it now?”

Clayton stresses that he greatly appreciates the crowd’s passion. He believes the atmosphere at major tournaments is one of the reasons the sport has become so popular. Chants, encouragement, and the familiar interaction between players and fans are, in his view, part of darts.

“We're there to try and entertain the crowd. We need that crowd behind us; we need the banter, we need the singing and we need the cheers. Why whistle? Why spoil it?” asked Clayton.

According to the experienced Welshman, players can handle the pressure and noise that come with darts, but an unexpected interruption during a crucial visit is different. Waiting for a whistle can knock a player out of concentration and disrupt their natural rhythm. “We are there to play our best game to keep the fans happy. So why do the fans try and upset our rhythm?” Clayton explained. “Hopefully it stops and we can let loose on the dart board.”

The four-time major winner knows better than anyone how important supporters are to the sport. Before establishing himself on the big stage, Clayton spent years simply as a fan watching his heroes from the stands. That only deepens his appreciation for the crowd. “I have been a darts fan and been lucky enough to be on that stage. I never thought I would be on the world stage to face Michael van Gerwen. All the experiences I have had I’ve loved every second of it,” he said.

Clayton hopes whistling does not become a regular habit at major darts events. He believes fans can make a huge contribution to the sport, as long as the support remains focused on encouraging players rather than disrupting their opponent.

“Without the fans we're nothing. All honesty I hope it stops, whether it does I don't know?” said Clayton. “I love the banter when everyone goes oooohhhhhhhhh. But when you are waiting for that whistle it is like when is it going to come."

The Welshman mainly wants the traditional atmosphere to be preserved: loud, enthusiastic, and full of energy, but with respect for the players on stage. “Hopefully the whistling stops spoiling the game. We are there to make fans happy. The fans are all about us and we try our best to produce for the fans.”

Clayton will soon have the chance to bounce back on stage. The experienced thrower returns to action on Sunday at the World Matchplay. In the first round he faces Australian Damon Heta, with ‘The Ferret’ once again hoping for the crowd’s backing — but in the way he prefers it: with chants, energy, and respect.