Alan Soutar slams PDC for ‘ horrendous decision‘ and closing the door on him and working players

The PDC has come under fire from Alan Soutar, who claims they have “shut the door” on him.

The modifications made to the European Tour setup for 2025 have infuriated the Arbroath firefighter.

Instead of the top 16 from the Pro Tour, who must compete in the first round, darts officials have decided to let the top 16 on the Order of Merit to advance to the second round of tournaments.

William O’Connor and Ryan Searle, among others, have publicly criticised the rule change, and Soutar has expressed his frustration once more.

In the UK Open, Soutar put on an incredible display to advance to the round of 32 by thrashing Callan Rydz and then thrashing Matt Campbell.

Soutar still holds down a full-time job as a firefighter, so finds it difficult to juggle the PDC tour and work.

“When I come home from work, practice. Before a night shift, practice and that’s a massive thing putting in the time.

“It’s impossible, I’m trying my hardest but again I’m going to sound like I am moaning, but the PDC have shut the door on me again.

“You know the score where Euro Tours and all that stuff, they’ve just closed the door on you. So a normal guy that works, they don’t want us.”

Soutar then continued: “I’d be as well giving my tour card back. That’s as bad as the players feel about it. Horrendous, horrendous decision by the PDC.

“You can keep your card, but you cannot get into the top 32. It’s impossible. So they’ve absolutely shut the door on you. I get it, I get why they’re doing it, it’s a business and I get why they want the marquee players, but, for the guys that are 33 to 64, good luck.

“It’s important to keep your tour card, to stay in the top 64, that’s what’s important.

“That’s all I can look towards, that’s the only place I can look at. The player above me is £14,000 above me and I’m 56th in the world, so what else you want me to say about that?  I’m 14 grand behind the guy above me and I’m 56th.”