‘It ruined my life for a month' – Nathan Aspinall admits ‘horrific' abuse to him and his family ‘hurt deeply'
NATHAN ASPINALL claims "s**" he received on social media over his contentious Premier League selection "ruined my life for a month".
The Asp, 33, is ranked tenth in the world but was picked for the £1million invitational event at the expense of higher-ranked stars Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton and Damon Heta.
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Cynics argued that Aspinall – who lost to Luke Littler in the World Championship quarter-finals on New Year's Day – was only in the tournament because he has a catchy walk-on tune.
There is no denying that his choice of song – Mr. Brightside by The Killers – is a fans' favourite and it gets the crowd buzzing whenever it is played in big arenas.
Yet this was at the detriment of Aspinall's capabilities as a darts player and the abuse he received online hurt him deeply.
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.
"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.
"It has been the most competitive Premier League there has ever been – the most entertaining and exciting."
Nathan Aspinall shows frustration with outburst playing against Martin Lukeman
Aspinall won Night 15 at the P&J Live arena in Aberdeen and by beating Michael van Gerwen 6-3 in the quarter-finals, he leapfrogged the Dutchman into fourth spot in the table.
He arrived in the Granite City feeling 'dead relaxed' after three or four days at home, lying in the sunshine, with the kids in the paddling pool and a lit barbecue on the go.
Should Aspinall beat fifth-placed Van Gerwen, 36, next Thursday in Sheffield, then he will qualify for the Playoffs at the O2 Arena on May 29 – which would fulfil a lifelong dream.
If he loses, then he must pray the three-time world champion, who is four points behind, does not win the night in South Yorkshire and collect the five-point bonus – otherwise Aspinall will finish fifth for the third year running.
Littler, Luke Humphries and Price have already secured their berths as they battle for the £275,000 top 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'.
"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 than any other darts player."
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