GERWYN PRICE has withdrawn from the Premier League Darts' Aberdeen show - just HOURS before the first dart was set to be thrown.
The 2021 world champion has been forced to pull out of this evening's P&J Live show due to a trapped nerve.
And his withdrawal has resulted in quarter-final opponent Luke Humphries receiving a bye into the semis.
A PDC statement read: "Gerwyn Price has withdrawn from Thursday's BetMGM Premier League night in Aberdeen as he continues to struggle with a back problem.
"2021 World Champion Price was unable to compete in last weekend's Austrian Darts Open after suffering a trapped nerve in his back.
Fans in hysterics as Price wears EAR DEFENDERS to block boos but still loses
"The Welshman has undergone treatment since last Friday but has not recovered sufficiently to travel to Scotland to take part in Night 14 at P&J Live.
"Under tournament rules, Price's planned quarter-final opponent in Aberdeen, Luke Humphries, now receives a Bye into the semi-finals on Thursday, as well as gaining two league points and +1 leg difference.
"Price, meanwhile, receives -6 leg difference on the league table."
Price has yet to comment on his withdrawal from the match.
Darts fans were quick to react to the news of the Welshman's absence, with one saying: "Maybe an unpopular opinion, but in the current format when a player withdraws from a PL night, there should always be a replacement player.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
"You can't tell me the PDC can't find a top player willing to play an 8-player tournament with 10.000 bucks for the winner on short notice."
Another said: "Gutted, get well soon."
And another said: "F**k sake."
One remarked: "Days ruined."
Price may boycott Ally Pally after exit as he blocks boos with ear defenders
Another chimed in: "What happens to the money in this instance?
"I assume he doesn't get paid or at least not the full amount.
"Does it go to charity or something?"
The PDC's official X account was flooded with fan calls to give a short-notice call-up to Stephen Bunting.
One comment from a darts fan read: "Put Bunting in his place."
Another said: "Only one man for the job - Stephen Bunting."
And another said: "It’s time for the GOAT - Stephen Bunting."
Along with a picture of Bunting, one remarked: "It’s time."
And another chimed in: "Get Bunting in for a week can’t have Humphries getting points for nothing."
