The Premier League Darts selection row has taken a heated turn, with Nathan Aspinall firing back at Mike De Decker’s explosive comments.
De Decker, frustrated after being left out of the 2025 Premier League Darts line-up, accused the PDC of favouritism, claiming Aspinall and Gerwyn Price didn’t deserve their spots.
Mike De Decker’s Controversial Comments
Belgian darts player Mike De Decker recently expressed his anger over being snubbed for the Premier League despite winning the World Grand Prix last year – a PDC major title.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, De Decker slammed the PDC’s selection process, accusing the organisation of prioritising entertainment over merit.
“My first feeling immediately after the announcement was one of disbelief,” said De Decker. “The past 20 years, the Grand Prix winner was there every time. I think their decision, to be honest, is a bit scandalous.”
He went on to single out Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price, suggesting their inclusion was based on factors other than performance.
“Aspinall is there with his walk-on purely for the entertainment, and if Price performs badly in the first few weeks, he will start complaining again,” De Decker added.
"Their decision, to be honest, is a bit scandalous" 🗣️
Mike De Decker has his say after being omitted from the Premier League of Darts line-up 🎯 pic.twitter.com/JYkfhxcZtj
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 9, 2025
Nathan Aspinall Responds
Aspinall, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Championship, responded to the criticism in an interview with Metro.
He acknowledged De Decker’s disappointment but defended his selection, pointing to De Decker’s world ranking and recent performances as key factors.
“I’m disappointed he’s said that because I get on with Mike,” said Aspinall. “But if he wants to be in, then get higher up the rankings. He can count himself unlucky because he’s won a big major, but he’s ranked 24 in the world and went out early in the Worlds.”
Aspinall, ranked higher and renown for his electrifying walk-on song, highlighted that no single player stood out as an obvious choice for the Premier League this year.
Despite the criticism, he’s eager to prove his worth on the big stage. “I thought I was 50-50 to get in. I’m buzzing to be the one to get the call and looking forward to getting going,” he added.
The Class of 2025 🎓
Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall
All kicking off in Belfast on Feb 6… Let's go ✅
👉 https://t.co/C8DHdQrRUB pic.twitter.com/ZnrMJVwpt1
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 6, 2025
Premier League Darts 2025: The Line-Up
The 2025 Premier League Darts kicks off on February 6 at Belfast’s SSE Arena, featuring a star-studded line-up:
- Luke Littler
- Michael van Gerwen
- Luke Humphries
- Rob Cross
- Stephen Bunting
- Chris Dobey
- Nathan Aspinall
- Gerwyn Price
This year’s tournament promises fierce competition as 17 venues across the UK and Europe host the world’s best players.
