The 2026 Premier League Darts campaign returns to Glasgow this week. However, two-time PDC world champion Adrian Lewis was once pelted with coins by an energetic crowd when the event landed in the Scottish city back in 2011. Lewis is not currently in the professional game but he was once a reigning world champion, challenging Gary Anderson in his homeland.
It was in March of that year that many believe a line was crossed when Englishman Lewis faced off with his rival Anderson – the man he had defeated in a world final three months earlier. Wild darts fans were seen tossing coins and even pints of lager to distract Lewis. The 40-year-old darts star described the situation as “awful”. Lewis has since spoken out about the incident, admitting that the PDC emerged from the episode with a lot to learn.
“I think obviously I’d beat Gary in the world final, hadn’t I?” Lewis said at the launch of Modus Super Series on Pluto TV. “And then this was like a few months later after that. Playing against Gary in Scotland was never an easy task. I think also playing as the last game on in the evening didn’t really help matters. The PDC learnt a lot from that game.
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“Also, Glasgow Rangers had lost to PSV I think as well. So that obviously gave them time for their fans from there to come over. So yes, it didn’t go too well at the end. There were a few coins throwing. The thing was, I mean, them coins could have gone anywhere.
“Gary was on the stage next to me. We could both hear them all thudding against the stage. Yes, it wasn’t the best experience, let’s put it that way.”
Despite Lewis beating Anderson, 8-3, it was the Flying Scotsman who ultimately had the last laugh. He gained revenge for his Ally Pally defeat by seeing off Lewis 10-4 in the Premier League final later that year to claim his first major trophy. However, despite his success in reaching the final that year, Lewis admitted the tournament comes with its challenges.
“It’s a bit more difficult than most things,” Lewis said, discussing the demands of the Premier League. “Because you’re away five or six days a week, having to be there on a Wednesday and then Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday you’re playing.
“That was probably the most difficult part of it really, because it’s nearly like five whole days, isn’t it? Out of your life, basically. So that’s a difficult period for any player. Certainly now, obviously, now the tournaments are coming thick and fast, aren’t they?”
In a surprising twist, Lewis didn’t completely criticise the crowds that flock to the Premier League events. Although he doesn’t count Glasgow among his favourite audiences, he expressed a certain appreciation. “I enjoyed the crowds and that,” Lewis added. “Would it have been my favourite crowds? No. I’d say the Matchplay was my favourite. Proper darts fans.”
The third night of the 2026 Premier League will get underway on Thursday, February 19, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. Darts action is expected to kick-off at 7pm.