A war of words has erupted at the highest level of professional darts, with PDC Chairman Barry Hearn at the centre of a storm after The Sun published allegations that he sent threatening messages to World No. 10 Nathan Aspinall.
The controversy stems from Aspinall’s appearance on the Online Darts Podcast this week, where the Stockport thrower publicly questioned Hearn’s leadership. Aspinall argued that players who “regularly skip” ProTour and European Tour events should not be “automatically handed invites” to the lucrative World Series of Darts, a remark widely interpreted as a dig at certain top-16 names who prioritise exhibition matches.
“It’s about fairness,” Aspinall said on the broadcast. “If you don’t put the miles in on the floor, why should you walk into Vegas or New York on name alone? That’s not leadership, that’s favouritism.”
Hearn’s Alleged Response
According to sources close to the PDC dressing room, the 77-year-old promoter was incensed by the criticism. Multiple insiders claim Hearn contacted Aspinall via WhatsApp shortly after the podcast aired, with one source describing the messages as “menacing” and “containing de@th threats” regarding Aspinall’s future in the sport.
“Barry told Nathan to watch his back and that he’d ‘end his career’ if he ever went public with that kind of mutiny again,” the source alleged. “Nathan felt sick. He’s now spoken to the PDC’s player liaison officer.”
Hearn Fires Back
However, in an exclusive statement to DartsWorld News, Hearn categorically denied any physical threats, dismissing the claims as “laughable hysteria.”
“Let’s be crystal clear – I have never threatened any player’s life, and I find the suggestion disgusting,” Hearn said. “I did call Nathan, and I told him that if he wants to question my integrity, he should do it face-to-face, not behind a microphone. I reminded him that invites are a commercial decision, not a charity. That’s called tough leadership, not a de@th threat.”
Hearn added: “If Nathan feels that’s threatening, he’s in the wrong sport. This is the Premier League of darts, not a knitting circle.”
Aspinall’s Camp Responds
Aspinall’s management team refused to comment on the specific content of the messages but confirmed they had formally requested a mediation meeting with the PDC board. The 34-year-old is due to compete in this weekend’s Dutch Darts Championship, though insiders suggest he is “shaken” by the row.
Fan and Player Reaction
The incident has split the darts community. Former world champion John Part tweeted: “Questioning selection criteria is fair game. Personal threats – if true – are never acceptable.”
Meanwhile, Hearn loyalist and commentator Wayne Mardle defended the chairman, posting: “Barry is a blunt instrument, but he’s not a monster. This smells like a misunderstanding that’s got out of hand.”
The PDC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate an internal review into the communications is already underway.
With the World Series season set to kick off in June, the question now is not just who gets invited – but whether two of the sport’s biggest personalities can coexist at all.
This is a developing story. Updates to follow.