Bruce Spendley passes

By Paul Woodage 15/06/2021

Legendary referee and PDC Hall of Famer, Bruce Spendley has sadly passed away at the ripe age of 80-years old.

Darts collectively mourns a true icon of the game as we remember a man with a distinguished career spanning four decades.

In 1980, Spendley refereed his very first World Championship final before hanging up his microphone in 2013 at the Alexandra Palace.

Since the sad news was announced this morning, thousands of heartfelt accolades as well as messages of condolence have flooded social media.

PDC Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Porter gave his own tribute, saying: "Bruce was a very popular and respected member of our staff and one of the most experienced referees ever in our sport.”

In memory of Spendley, who was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame upon his retirement eight years ago, a minutes applause was held before the start of play at today’s Players Championship Event in Milton Keynes.

As a great pioneer of the game we love, Spendley’s legacy will live on for generations to come and his memory will forever be enshrined and embedded in darting folklore.

Thank you Bruce. Sleep tight.

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