Darts Star Demands Urgent PDC Action Over Issue 'Every Player Hates'

Germany's Ricardo Pietreczko has called on the PDC to introduce a rule change at the World Darts Championship to solve an issue he says 'every player hates'.

Pietreczko qualified for the third round of the tournament on Saturday after defeating Dave Chisnall 3-2.

Chisnall, ranked at world number 21 before the tournament got underway, beat Fallon Sherrock 3-0 in round one but did not put in a significantly convincing performance.

The 45-year-old was strong on the doubles against Sherrock, but it was the opposite against Pietreczko as he only succeeded with 10 of his 37 attempts at double.

He hit 11 180s compared to his opponent's tally of zero, but Pietreczko - who is nicknamed 'Pikachu' due to his love of Pokemon - was stronger on the doubles, and broke Chisnall's throw in the final set before winning in a sudden death leg.

But the German player was on the end of whistling from sections of the crowd during the final set.

Numerous players have spoken out about the issue, which dates back to well before the World Championship and has become a growing concern in recent months.

Darts referee Kirk Bevins has stated how difficult it is for officials to control, given that any verbal warnings towards the crowd to stop end up having the opposite effect.

Pietreczko wants the PDC to take action and employ added security personnel at Ally Pally to prevent the problem from escalating even further, adding that 'every player hates' the whistling.

"Every time, it's the same. It's whistling, or booing," he said after his win over Chisnall.

"The booing is not a problem, but the whistling... the concentration is missed in the moment, and I think every player hates it.

"It's more security for the crowd. It's difficult. It's similar whistling, loud whistlings [every time], I can say this now."

The PDC released a statement on crowd behaviour after various issues during a Premier League night in Glasgow back in February.

"The PDC wishes to strongly reiterate that it does not condone any behaviour which can disrupt an event, such as whistling or booing when players are throwing," the statement read.

"Every player goes on stage with the intention of performing to the best of their ability and providing an entertaining spectacle for all fans, whether in the venue or watching worldwide.

"As per the terms and conditions of entry to events, spectators who act inappropirately can be removed from the venue."