ITV apologises for crowd chant during World Darts Masters final
During the Winmau World Darts Masters final on Sunday, ITV issued an on-screen apology after the crowd chanted explicit lyrics targeting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
The chanting featured the derogatory phrase “Keir Starmer’s a w***er” to the melody of The White Stripes’ hit “Seven Nation Army.” This incident, occurring in a marquee match between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, saw ITV broadcast a message that read: “We apologise for any offensive language.”
This occurrence is part of a growing pattern of fans directing similar chants at the Prime Minister, who has been in office since 2024. The chanting surged multiple times throughout the match, notably prompting ITV’s response during the fourth set.
The 19-year-old world champion, Luke Littler, overcame Humphries in a tight 6-5 final at Arena MK, securing his place as a dominant figure in the sport. Littler’s path included navigating several challenging encounters, showcasing his skill at the newly revamped World Masters.
This year alone has seen similar scenes at various sporting events, causing broadcasters to grapple with how to manage offensive chants. For instance, during the World Grand Prix, the chant emerged in a match featuring Danny Noppert, leading Sky Sports to mask the audio.
The chant was also evident during the World Darts Championship, gaining traction among England’s football supporters. This frustration for broadcasters reflects a troubling trend as networks struggle to keep such chants from reaching audiences.
Polling data further underscores Starmer’s declining popularity; a recent BMG Research survey indicated a net satisfaction rating of minus 49. Over half of participants expressed a desire for different leadership within the Labour Party, with even prior Labour voters indicating reduced support.
As tensions persist, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as a preferred alternative, with 24 percent of respondents in favour of his leadership.
Ultimately, the resonance of this chant illustrates a crossroads for Starmer, highlighting how easily sporting arenas can double as platforms for political sentiments.
