The electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as Ally Pally, is one of the hallmarks of the PDC World Darts Championship. Fancy-dress clad fans, pints in hand, create a carnival-like vibe that blends high-stakes competition with raucous entertainment. Chants range from the whimsical, like “Walking in a Littler Wonderland” celebrating young star Luke Littler, to timeless classics such as “Stand Up If You Love the Darts.” But during the 2025/26 tournament, a new, politically charged anthem has echoed through the halls, targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer—and one player, Nathan Aspinall, found himself right in the middle of it.
In a second-round match on Monday evening, the 34-year-old Englishman, nicknamed “The Asp” and ranked 15th in the world, delivered a dominant performance. Aspinall swept past American qualifier Leonard Gates in straight sets, 3-0, showcasing his precision and composure to advance to the last 32. The victory was straightforward, but it was the crowd’s intervention during the second set that stole the headlines. As Aspinall prepared to throw, thousands of fans erupted into a familiar riff from The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” twisting it into an explicit chant: “Keir Starmer’s a w***er!”
The volume was deafening, drowning out the broadcast commentary at times and prompting broadcasters to mute the crowd noise or overlay generic cheers to avoid airing the profanity. This wasn’t a one-off outburst; similar chants have reverberated throughout the tournament, reflecting growing public frustration with the government. Starmer, who has been Prime Minister since 2024 after leading the Labour Party to victory, has faced plummeting approval ratings amid economic challenges and policy controversies. Darts crowds, known for their unfiltered passion, have turned this discontent into a recurring feature, much like political jabs at other venues earlier in the year.
What made this moment particularly viral was Aspinall’s reaction. After completing his visit to the oche, he paused, turned toward the roaring stands, and raised his arms in a conductor-like gesture, appearing to egg on the fans to sing even louder. The crowd obliged, amplifying the chant as Aspinall grinned and soaked in the energy. Social media clips of the incident spread rapidly, capturing the player’s playful engagement with the rowdy supporters. It highlighted the unique bond between darts players and their fans—raw, unscripted, and often crossing into controversial territory.
Aspinall’s interaction didn’t overshadow his on-stage prowess. He maintained focus throughout the match, closing out sets efficiently against Gates, who struggled to match the Brit’s scoring power. Post-match, Aspinall shifted attention to his upcoming third-round clash against Dutch talent Kevin Doets. Speaking candidly, he acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Kevin, he’s a great dart player, I’ve got an awful record against Kevin. I think he knows that.” Despite Doets holding a strong head-to-head advantage, having won their last several encounters, Aspinall remained optimistic. He noted that facing top-quality opposition often brings out his best, adding that he believes a tough battle will force him to elevate his game.
This incident underscores how darts has evolved into more than just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon where politics, humor, and rivalry collide. The World Championship at Ally Pally draws massive crowds and television audiences, amplifying whatever unfolds on and off the stage. While broadcasters scramble to censor explicit outbursts, the chants persist as a barometer of public sentiment. For Aspinall, navigating such moments is part of the job; his ability to thrive amid the chaos has cemented his status as a fan favorite.
As the tournament progresses toward the later rounds, with stars like defending champion Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler still in contention, the atmosphere promises to remain charged. Aspinall’s path to potential glory now hinges on overcoming Doets, but his memorable interaction with the crowd has already ensured this match will be remembered for more than just the darts thrown.
Leave a Reply