{"id":144844,"date":"2023-12-18T09:24:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T09:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theprojectsworld.com\/?p=144844"},"modified":"2023-12-18T09:24:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T09:24:25","slug":"i-was-ref-for-gerwyn-prices-headphones-stunt-the-size-of-them-surprised-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theprojectsworld.com\/sport\/i-was-ref-for-gerwyn-prices-headphones-stunt-the-size-of-them-surprised-me\/","title":{"rendered":"‘I was ref for Gerwyn Price\u2019s headphones stunt \u2013 the size of them surprised me’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    With almost 30 years as a top darts referee, Russ Bray thought he had seen it all \u2013 then Gerwyn Price emerged from a break at the World Championship wearing a massive pair of headphones. <\/p>\n

    After the greatest leg in the sport\u2019s history \u2013 "I can\u2019t spake" and all that \u2013 and Michael Smith lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time, Price donning heavy-duty head gear was the abiding memory of the 2023 tournament. The abuse the Ice Man had been getting from the Ally Pally crowd had been one of the tournament\u2019s talking points and there were murmurings that he was planning to take action.<\/p>\n

    He did just that in his quarter-final against German giant Gabriel Clemens, stunning the darting world and forcing a rule change which means there will be no repeat at this year\u2019s tournament. The stunt didn\u2019t work as Price ditched them after a set and went on to lose 5-1. Bray, regarded by many as the \u2018Voice of Darts\u2019, was on stage that night and was taken aback by what transpired.<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Voice of Darts Russ Bray reveals pet hate ahead of World Darts Championship swansong <\/b><\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Gerwyn Price's ear defenders banned from Ally Pally 12 months after headphone antics<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was different!\u201d Bray, who is stepping down as a full-time referee after the tournament, tells Daily Star Sport<\/b>. \u201cI got forewarned by the tournament director that Gerwyn was going to have ear protectors in for the noise and the booing.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought it would be like that Merv King had, just earplugs. When he came out with the earphone-looking things, it was a little bit of a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

    What did you think of Gerwyn Price's headphones stunt? Tell us in the comments section below<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n

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    Price threatened to never play in the tournament again after that episode. While he has returned for the 2024 showpiece, beginning his campaign against Connor Scutt on Monday night, he isn't a fan of playing at Ally Pally and would even welcome a change of venue for the Worlds.<\/p>\n

    It must be said, for the most part, the Welshman has been given an easier ride by fans this year. It remains to be seen whether that will be the case at this tournament, but Bray reckons the former rugby professional deserves immense respect from punters.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cIt\u2019s a shame because he\u2019s an amazing darts player,\u201d adds Bray. \u201cAnd he is a lovely, lovely man. He\u2019s a real family man, a really lovely fella. On the oche, he\u2019s a winner. You\u2019ve got to show your passion and wear your heart on your sleeve, I\u2019m all up for that. <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat [abuse from the crowd] came from the altercation he had with Gary Anderson all those years ago [at the 2018 Grand Slam when the pair clashed on stage]. It\u2019s a hard thing to shift once you\u2019ve had it. <\/p>\n

    Get your ultimate World Darts Championship 2024 preview here<\/h3>\n

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    With this year's PDC World Darts Championship set to be another thriller, Daily Star Sport<\/b> have prepared your ultimate 40-page preview magazine to get you ready for all things arrows. <\/p>\n

    From interviews with Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Humphries and former world champions Gary Anderson and Rob Cross to in depth features on the PDC's angriest moments and why they start on 501 – we've got you covered.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cPeter Manley had it, but he turned it round and became a pantomime villain. But it is getting better for him. You get the odd idiot who will boo. But, in the main, the crowd are warming to him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd he\u2019s a great guy to call for because he hits virtually everything he goes for \u2013 and it must be great from the crowd\u2019s perspective to see a master at his craft.\u201d<\/p>\n