Nathan Aspinall has claimed he received “s**t” on social media over his Premier League selection.
The Stockport man is ranked 10th in the world but was picked at the expense of higher-ranked players Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton, and Damon Heta.
When the news came out, it was argued by many that Aspinall, who lost out to Luke Littler in the World Championship quarter-finals on New Year’s Day, was only picked due to his walk-on tune.
Mr Brightside by The Killers is a fans’ favourite, yet that didn’t stop some fans from defining Aspinall’s capabilities as a darts player and the abuse he received online hurt him deeply.
Nathan Aspinall has opened up on the abuse he received
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Aspinall said: “I’m not going to lie, it was s***. It was hard. It was horrific.
"I came off social media because of the abuse I was getting.
"I’m not exaggerating here, but it ruined my life for a month. Not just my life, my family’s lives, too. It was horrific.
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"But I’m a professional sportsman, you have to deal with it. And I put things in place to deal with that.
"Me and Gezzy (Gerwyn Price) received both the same treatment and have used it to our advantage. I’ve enjoyed this Premier League campaign more than anyone.
"The standard has been out of this world. All eight players have done themselves credit.
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Nathan celebrates his win in Aberdeen
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"It has been the most competitive Premier League there has ever been – the most entertaining and exciting."
Aspinall took an impressive victory in Night 15 at the P&J arena in Aberdeen.
He overcame Michael Van Gerwen in the quarter-finals and by doing so has leap-frogged the Dutchman into fourth place in the table.
Should the man from Stockport beat fifth-placed Van Gerwen, 36, next Thursday in Sheffield, then he will qualify for the Playoffs at the O2 Arena on May 29th.
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If he loses that match-up, then he is relying on Van Gerwen to fall short of the victory in Sheffield, otherwise Aspinall will end the season fifth for the third year running.
Littler, Luke Humphries and Price have all secured a place in the Playoffs, where they will do battle for the £275,000 prize.
The former World Matchplay champion said: "I’ve said to my family, ‘I don’t want to come fifth again.’ It’s so hard watching it on TV.
"Getting FaceTime off Van Gerwen or whoever is in the playoffs, saying, ‘Wish you were here, mate’.
Nathan Aspinall and Michael Van Gerwen battle for the final place in the Play-offs
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"The pressure is on Michael. I will prepare for it like it’s a do-or-die game. It’s in my hands now.
"Van Gerwen is my idol in darts, the GOAT of darts, and if I can qualify by beating him on back-to-back weeks, that would mean more to me than any other darts player."
The two will do battle for the final place in the Play-offs at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Thursday, May 22.
