Laura Woods had hots for 'eye candy' darts referee – but Nathan Aspinall called for ban
Darts referee Franz Engerer has become a polarising figure thanks to his unique calls.
Nathan Aspinall once admitted he didn’t want darts referee Franz Engerer officiating his matches. The divisive German official has gained attention in the darting world for his unique "180" calls, delivered with trademark operatic flair.
Engerer's antics have gone viral on social media in recent times, earning him admirers in some circles. TNT Sports presenter and darts fan Laura Woods notably described him as "German eye-candy" at one stage. However, his calling style isn’t universally liked, with a section of disgruntled fans online demanding his sacking earlier this year.
Even darts star Aspinall, while stopping short of such drastic calls, said he doesn’t want Engerer to referee his matches. The world No.15 recalled watching Andrew Gilding vs Callan Rydz at the European Darts Trophy in March, the match that put eyes on Engerer.
"He was shouting and I was like, ‘I actually don’t think I could play if he was reffing.' Nothing against the guy. I just don’t like the call so I hope he doesn’t like my games. Don’t sack him. It's [just] not for me," Aspinall confessed.
Yet, the young referee insists the reaction from fans and players has been overwhelmingly positive. Engerer said: "Most of the feedback has been really lovely.
"Of course, not everyone’s a fan - and that’s fine, especially with how unique my 180 is - but it’s amazing to get that recognition. People come up to me asking for photos, and that’s just surreal."
Engerer also revealed his distinctive tone stems from years of singing lessons and being part of a choir.
He explained: "I’ve been taking singing lessons and singing in a choir since seventh grade. We’ve performed everything from operas to musicals and solos."
Aspinall crashed out of the World Darts Championship following his defeat to Dutchman Kevin Doets at Alexandra Palace on Monday. Doets mounted a comeback by capitalising on Aspinall's erratic finishing to claim a 4-3 victory - his sixth consecutive win over the Asp - and progress to the last 16.
Doets, however, was comfortably beaten 4-1 by Luke Humphries on Tuesday after the former world champion delivered a 103.07 average and hit eight maximums to maintain his hunt for a second world title in three years.
