Nathan Aspinall hurt and vows to address Premier League jibe with 'jealous' Dave Chisnall

Nathan Aspinall has hit back at Dave Chisnall and Mike De Decker following their criticism of his selection for the Premier League.

The Stockport thrower was one of four wildcard picks for the annual 17-week darts tournament, which kicks off in Belfast on February 6. His selection, along with that of Gerwyn Price, has sparked debate among fans and disapproval from players who were overlooked.

World Grand Prix champion De Decker labelled his exclusion as "scandalous", telling Belgian media that Aspinall was chosen purely for "entertainment" reasons due to his popular walk-on song, Mr Brightside by The Killers.

Chisnall, the highest-ranked player not included in the 2025 line-up, echoed that sentiment in his blog, stating: "Gezzy [Price] has had a lot going and struggled in 2024, whilst Nathan has done similarly. His run to the quarter-finals of the Worlds probably got him involved. That and everyone loving his Mr Brightside theme song.

"It's a great entrance, but it should be about the darts, and not your walk-on that gets you involved in these big competitions. Nothing against them personally, as both great lads and get on well with, but it should be about your actions on the dartboard, not on a song and a dance."

Former World Matchplay champion Aspinall, who taking part in the Bahrain Masters, was left furious with Chisnall's comments in particular. He told the Mirror: "He [De Decker] can say what he wants. He's not helping himself, in my opinion.

"I'm very disappointed in Dave, who I class as one of my close mates on the tour. That post was directly aimed at me. That was the one I took to heart. Mike De Decker, I couldn't really give a s*** what he says, to be honest.

"I'll be addressing the one with Dave when I see