Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney did not enjoy the most auspicious of welcomes this evening.
Competing in the first round of this year's Premier League Darts, a few viewers were confused as to why the Derry native was so harshly received by a very vocal Dublin crowd.
Daryl Gurney class act darts why the Irish shout for a Duch man playing him can't understand
— pat murray (@pat_splash) February 1, 2018
Claiming his first major PDC Darts title in Dublin last October, Daryl 'Superchin' Gurney lost a lot of respect for a perceived barge into his opponent Simon Whitlock.
Well, the Dublin crowd did not forget.
Had it not been for Neil Diamond and his irresistibly catchy "Sweet Caroline", one can be certain that the reception would have been all the more hostile still.
Playing Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in this evening's tie, as soon as Gurney began his entrance, the crowd were fairly vocal in their condemnation of the Northern Irish player.
I don’t like daryl gurney but his intro music take a bow son #neildiamond #legend #sweetcaroline
— Gazdickie (@gazdickie) February 1, 2018
Irish Daryl Gurney getting booed in Dublin, does anybody like him? 🎯 #PremierLeagueDarts
— Craig Milner (@CraigyMilner) February 1, 2018
Daryl Gurney the Northern Irishman getting booed in the Republic of Ireland. Can't tell if thats because of a rivalry thing or because he is just annoying. #LoveTheDarts
— richy (@ricky9537) February 1, 2018
In the end, Gurney would play out a highly competitive game with van Barneveld, but will have reason to wonder why he could only manage a 6-6 draw having had a straight-forward chance to win outright.
Despite all that, the Northern Irish man was more than willing to make light of the whole affair and enjoy his first night on the Premier League circuit.
Wow what an atmosphere loved my debut @Raybar180 6-6 onto Wigan at 4am 😄😄 @FOURSTARPIZZA @TXODDSOfficial @Winmau @totalhire
— Daryl Gurney (@Superchin180) February 1, 2018
You can watch the video of his entrance below.
