Gary Anderson launches X-rated rant at darts ‘influencers’ in brutal swipe
Gary Anderson won his opening match at the Winmau World Masters on Thursday, but he’s made headlines for what he said after the victory as he took aim at ‘influencers’ in darts
Gary Anderson has unleashed a furious tirade on ‘influencers’ in darts, urging young players to stay away from them. Anderson, 55, labelled the social media stars ‘t*****s’ in a X-rated rant to spark headlines after starting with a victory at the ongoing Winmau World Masters.
The world No.6 came from behind to beat the Netherlands’ Niels Zonneveld 3-2 in his match on Thursday evening. But Anderson had other things on his mind at his post-match press conference.
“I’m a darts player, I’m not here to sit and talk and tell stories,” the Scot began. “And when I do, I usually get into trouble. I don’t do YouTube, but I’m watching.
“We’ve got, what do you call them? Influencers? How to play darts. I’ve never seen the bloke in my life, I’ve watched him play darts, he’s absolutely w*** at it. So why watch him?
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“Kids need to learn they can go buy a set of darts that cost you £10, £20, £40, £50. Instead of spending hundreds of pounds on darts and play the game. Influencers? What a load of b******s. Absolutely t*****s.
“It’s a load of rubbish. For young kids, it ain’t good. Just let them play darts and enjoy. Buy a £20 set of darts and go and enjoy your game of darts. End of. Easy.”
Although it’s unclear who Anderson was referring to, his rant comes after it was announced that YouTuber and I’m a Celebrity winner ‘Angry Ginge’ is considering entering the PDC Qualifying School. The school is open any darts player aged 16 or above, and they compete to win a PDC tour card.
Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, is close friends with Luke Littler and was part of his inner circle as the 19-year-old won the recent PDC World Championship. Ex-professional Matthew Edgar said on the Mission Darts Podcast that Burtwistle’s journey would only help the sport.
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“I think it would be good for the game,” Edgar said. “If he was to show some progression from where he is now, it will show people that it’s a potential avenue and it’s an actual journey. So I’m all for it, to be honest.”
As for Anderson’s next assignment, he’ll face James Wade in the second round on Saturday. He gave himself an uphill battle in round one after Zonneveld claimed the opening set 2-0.
But Anderson won four of the next five legs to go in front. Zonneveld bounced back and took it to a deciding set with a superb 121 finish before Anderson recovered again to go through.
