Josh Rock calls PDC to make major rule change ahead of Luke Littler World Matchplay quarter-final

Josh Rock has called for the PDC to introduce a new rule ahead of his World Matchplay showdown against Luke Littler on Thursday night.

Rock has established himself as one of the world's best darts players and was selected as one of eight players for this year's Premier League.

The Northern Irishman was keen to challenge for the play-offs, and even though he pinned an incredible nine-darter at Belfast, his campaign ended in disappointment after finishing bottom with four wins from 20 matches.

The 24-year-old hasn't let that experience dent his confidence and instead took some valuable lessons, including how loud the crowds were week in, week out.

"Just how loud the crowds were. I'm used to Ally Pally, the Grand Slam, the Matchplay. When you play in these big areas, it's just one massive noise. You've got to take it all in," Rock said.

"If I'm in the Premier League again, I know what to expect next year. It's definitely not knocked my confidence. I'm pretty strong-minded. I'm looking forward to next year, if I'm given the chance again."

Rock is dreaming of winning a first major at the World Matchplay and has already notched up impressive wins against Luke Woodhouse and Stephen Bunting to set up a quarter-final tie with Littler.

It's the hardest task in darts to overcome Littler, who pinned a nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall on Tuesday night, and the 2025 World Cup of Darts winner will be determined to somehow end his nine-match winless run against the 19-year-old.

Before he takes the stage once more at the Winter Gardens, Rock has discussed an ongoing issue in the sport that he wants the PDC to address.

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Josh Rock wants PDC to crack down on poor behaviour from spectators

Fans are the heartbeat of every sport, but like with anything, the minority can often spoil it.

Darts has experienced its fair share of poor behaviour from spectators inside the venues, and the most notable example was Gerwyn Price getting a spectator ejected during his Premier League match against Stephen Bunting.

Rock referenced that incident in a statement discussing the issues dart players face on stage, telling the PDC to do everything they can to "cut the whistling".

"But it is getting out of hand at the minute. People probably think it's funny but if they want us to perform at our best, they need to cut it [whistling] out," he said.

"The only thing you can do is point the person out, like Gezzy [Gerwyn Price] did in the Premier League, and get them thrown out. But if the whole crowd is whistling, you can't throw them all out."

The PDC has previously threatened to take 'proactive and decisive action' for those who 'behave inappropriately'.

"The PDC works closely with Premier League venues, who have responsibility for crowd control, to take proactive and decisive action against those who behave inappropriately," a statement from 2025 read.

"The vast majority of fans who attend our sell-out events on a regular basis also condemn this behaviour and we will continue to promote a positive atmosphere which gives all players the opportunity to play to the best of their ability in every match."