Gerwyn Price told off by referee for little-known rule break as Premier League match with Luke Littler is stopped

Luke Littler’s dramatic Premier League win over Gerwyn Price was briefly stopped on account of a rare rule-break by the Welshman.

The World No.1 held off a late surge from Price who threatened to come back from 9-4 and match dart down to claim an unlikely semi-final win on Finals Night at London’s O2 Arena.

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After Price pulled the match back to 9-9, Littler was the one to hold his nerve in the deciding leg to book his place in the final.

However, there was a bizarre moment just before the 16th leg of the match began with Price being pulled up by referee Huw Ware.

What rule did Price break?

After Price won the 15th leg, he had a brief conversation with Ware before being allowed to begin throwing his darts.

Ware was unhappy with Price celebrating throwing 170, known as a Big Fish, on one of his visits to the oche in the middle of the previous leg.

Price pulled out a fishing gesture, one that Littler often does when throwing 170, to celebrate.

It wasn’t the nature of the celebration from Price that irked Ware, more the timing.

Darts players are forbidden from celebrating in the eyeline of their opponents mid-leg as it may put off them off from their throw soon after.

Price’s indiscretions did not lead to him being sanctioned during the match and is very unlikely to land him any kind of financial penalty; a mere telling off from the match referee sufficed.

The Iceman offered his apologies to Littler immediately afterwards with the 19-year-old accepting it in good spirits and appearing unfazed by Price’s celebrations.

The two players enjoyed some banter together on the oche once Littler’s victory was confirmed.

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