Nathan Aspinall has slammed the ‘disgusting’ abuse Luke Humphries receives – but has conceded even his mates ‘can’t stand him’.
The world number one has banked seven major trophies since 2023 – including the PDC World Championship last year.
But despite regularly engaging with fans at events, the 30-year-old is often booed while competing, as well as being targeted online.
It was only last week which saw Humphries reveal he ‘needs a break’ from the sport as a result of the hectic schedule.
He was then jeered by supporters during night ten of the Premier League midweek in Manchester.
Humphries faced hometown hero Aspinall in the final, which saw the latter prevail in what was his first nightly win of 2025.
It remains a mystery as to why Humphries is booed – a stark contrast to the reception teenage sensation Luke Littler is subject to across Europe.
And Aspinall has now come to the defence of the Leeds fan, as he said: “The stuff he got last week online was absolutely disgusting.
“Disgusting. He’s an absolute credit to this sport.
“Humphries is one of the nicest men I have ever met in my life, forget about darts”.
Aspinall added: “Luke is a great role model for darts.
“I have a lot of mates that love darts and no one likes Luke. They can’t stand him.
“I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s jealousy because he’s so good. It grates me.
“Two lads, who came away with me last week in Berlin, hate Luke Humphries.
“We had a couple of beers in the hotel afterwards and they went to him, ‘I need to apologise Luke, I didn’t like you, but you are a great lad.’
“People don’t know the real people. I get a lot of stick. I know I’m an absolute idiot. I’m like Basil Brush sometimes. Boom, Boom!
“I don’t understand it and hopefully it will change as he is a great guy.”
The Stockport thrower also weighed in on the argument that players could suffer from burn-out due to a busy calendar.
He stated: “People just think we teleport from place to place.
“People only see the games we play on TV. Like the Premier League, World Matchplay. But we also play ProTours in-between that.
“Don’t do exhibitions, people say – we’re doing that for our fans. We are doing 20-25 days a month away from home. It is tough.”
