What did darts star Scott Williams say?
SCOTT WILLIAMS is in hot water after his comments following his third round win over Martin Schindler.
The darts star, 33, made a misguided reference to a vile football chant after an epic 4-3 win over the German Schindler at Ally Pally.
Sky Sports were forced to apologise and the darts governing body are set to probe his comments – with Williams later saying sorry himself.
SunSport understands the Darts Regulation Authority may decide to review the incident to see if he has brought the game into disrepute.
But what did Williams actually say in the interview and in the fallout?
What did Scott Williams say?
Speaking after the win that put him into the hat for the last 16, Williams praised German fans in the crowd but also mentioned a derogatory song that is connected with English football hooligans.
Williams said: “I’ve never had the crowd on my side like that. I know we won two World Wars and one World Cup.
“The German fans in here were huge. All I could hear was these guys.
“What a game. I’m so happy to get to the other side as a winner.
“I wasn’t expecting it to go all the way to sudden death. I’m absolutely knackered.
“Hats off to Martin and hats off to the German guys that are here supporting. The guys here supporting me ‘super super Scott Williams’.
“I’ve never heard that before, I’ll take it though for the next one.
“I behaved myself. I just did things I was supposed to do. I didn’t do anything silly.
“I did the right things at the right times, which you are meant to do on the stage.
“It’s so difficult on this stage, it’s warm on here. There are a few thousand shouting your name.
“You are getting booed by German guys, Dutch guys, Swiss guys. You’ve got to put that aside. I’m into the last 16 baby!”
What is the ‘Two World Wars and One World Cup’ song?
The song – sang to the tune of ‘Camptown Races’ – has been chanted at England football matches since the 1970s, following The Three Lions’ 1966 World Cup final win over Germany.
As well as referencing that win, the chant points to Allied victories in World War I and World War II – conflicts in which tens of millions of people died and suffered.
In the build-up to the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, market traders in Leicester were banned from selling T-shirts with the slogan as they “could cause offence”.
However, it remains a popular terrace chant and could also be heard during Williams’ match with Schindler.
A similarly jingoistic chant, ‘Ten German Bombers’, saw England fans threatened with a ban if they took part in singing it during Euro 2020 – although the song could still be heard during the tournament and at matches since.
‘Ten German Bombers’ and similar chants were deemed to be “discriminatory or disrespectful” by Uefa and the Football Association.
What did Scott Williams say later?
Williams later took to social media to say sorry for the remarks and admitted his words had been “a bit stupid” and said “in the heat of the moment”.
He wrote on X: “In regards to what I said on stage earlier, it was a bit stupid!
“Love the people, the food and the venues!
“What was said was in the heat of the moment after a WICKED GAME vs Martin!
“Nothing was meant to harm anyone’s feelings and I apologise profusely! Much love.”
He later added: “Thanks for the messages everyone!
“A few nasty ones from some German fans, but I understand why!
“Absolutely nothing personal, just a bit of jeering and jesting with the crowd! I’m British and Proud!!!! Last 16 Baby!!!!””