Former World Champion Gerwyn Price has taken to Instagram to support a possible move away from Alexandra Palace.
Gerwyn Price lifted darts’ biggest prize in 2021 at the iconic venue behind closed doors as the COVID-19 restrictions were in effect.
‘The Iceman’ has had his fair share of battles with the crowd throughout his career and even donned headphones in the 2023 World Championship in a bid to block out a hostile crowd.
To Price’s delight, Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn suggested to The Mirror that the World Championship could find a new home in Saudi Arabia – weeks after suggesting the snooker World Championship may relocate to the Middle East.
Gerwyn Price’s thoughts on World Darts Championships in Saudi Arabia
Price shared his opinion on Hearn’s revelation on Instagram and believes alcohol is a big factor within the crowd
“Maybe it’s the way forward, less drunken hooligans that aren’t fans, causing fights, that turn up once in a blue moon and spoil/dictate the outcome of the game in what’s the most important event of the year for the players,” Price wrote on the social media platform.
“If you want that atmosphere there’s 4 months of it with the Premier League, people can still enjoy themselves without alcohol,” he added.
Gerwyn Price’s opinion on Saudi move is controversial
Barry Hearn will be well aware of the reaction he will receive if the PDC decide to take their showpiece event to the Middle East.
The mere suggestion of moving snooker’s World Championship from the iconic Crucible prompted an uproar from fans and players alike, and the same is to be expected for darts.
That’s not to suggest Price’s points are not valid.
The crowd can go over the top at times and this year’s Premier League has seen issues with some crowds whistling when players are throwing.
It’s no surprise that last year’s Premier League runner-up does not like the tournament, but moving an event with the magnitude of the World Championship to a country with no darting heritage will only alienate the true fans who love and care about the sport.