Darts star Nathan Aspinall has condemned abuse aimed at Luke Humphries after overcoming the world No 1 to win night 10 of the Premier League on Thursday.
Aspinall had gone into the showdown hoping to secure his first nightly victory of the competition so far.
And the 33-year-old did exactly that, overcoming Rob Cross and Michael van Gerwen before ultimately beating Humphries.
In the build-up to the evening's action, Humphries faced abuse online following a recent interview with Sky Sports.
Darts star Nathan Aspinall has condemned abuse aimed at Luke Humphries after overcoming the world No 1 to win night 10 of the Premier League on Thursday
PA
The 30-year-old admitted to battling some mental demons, saying: “I feel a little bit emotionless. It’s not that I don’t want to be here, it just seems a chore for me at the moment."
Some fans got on his back, however, insisting Humphries had no right to feel the way he does given how much he's paid.
The darts star responded to online trolls by saying: "Considering the comments, people not understanding what I meant… Will be the last time I ever confess my real feelings to the public.
"Everything I say or ever do just never seems to be good enough for anybody."
JUST IN: Mohamed Salah explains decision to stay at Liverpool after signing new Anfield contract
Aspinall, speaking after beating Humphries, has now provided his verdict.
The darts star has blasted 'disgusting' internet trolls and had nothing but positive things to say about his rival.
“He is an absolute credit to the sport. It’s disgusting,” he told SportsBoom.com.
When asked why Humphries had attracted such strong criticism, Aspinall continued: “I have no idea.
READ MORE: Andre Onana's two howlers cost Man Utd crucial Europa League lead against Lyon after taunting crowd
Luke Humphries has been targeted with abuse ever since the darts star admitted to feeling 'emotionless'
PA
"You know what, I have a lot of mates that love darts, and no one likes Luke [Humphries].
"Honestly, I can’t give you that answer. A lot of my mates can’t stand him.
“I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s jealousy ‘cause he’s so good. He is great to me."
Aspinall then proceeded to reveal that two of his own friends felt the need to apologise after judging Humphries without getting to know him.
He continued: “There were two lads who came away with me to Berlin last week, who both hated Luke [Humphries].
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"We had a few beers in a hotel bar after, and they went ‘I need to apologise to you, I didn’t like you, but you’re a great lad and that’s it.’
“People don’t know him. People don’t know the real people.
“I just don’t understand it, and you know hopefully it will change at some point because he’s a great guy.”
Aspinall had struggled in the Premier League before night 10 in Manchester.
However, his victory has seen him rise above Van Gerwen and into the top four.
Nathan Aspinall had soared into the Premier League top four after beating Luke Humphries in Manchester
PA
Aspinall admits that Humphries' comments on feeling 'emotionless' are right given the busy darts schedule.
And he's hopeful the world No 1 will be celebrated by fans, rather than targeted with abuse, in the future.
“People only see the games we play on TV. They don’t see Pro Tour that we’re doing in between that and the exhibitions that we’re doing all for the fans," he added.
"We’re doing 20 to 25 days away a month, it’s tough. Nights like tonight for me personally is why I play.
“Hopefully when Luke [Humphries] next wins, all that negativity goes away."
