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26th Dec 2021

Raymond van Barneveld warns PDC organisers after testing positive for Covid-19

Callum Boyle

The Dutchman recently tested positive for Covid-19 after being knocked out of the PDC World Championship

Raymond van Barneveld has issued a warning to the organisers of the PDC World Championship after he recently tested positive for Covid-19.

The Dutchman was knocked out the tournament by Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace on Thursday night and complained that he began to feel unwell after the game.

Van Barneveld took to his Twitter to reveal the news that he had tested positive, saying: “During the match I didn’t have any symptoms, but afterwards I started to realise that I was developing a shortness of breath and fever.

“I directly called my manager Ben De Kok and he advised to go straight to my hotel room and to not give interviews in order to avoid any risk.

“At the moment I do suffer from fever and serious tiredness. The upcoming days I will stay in quarantine at London.”

Organisers of the tournament have reiterated that they all the necessary protocols in place to ensure the safety of players and spectators attending following Van Barneveld’s news.

As reported by the MailOnline, a spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of Raymond’s positive test and send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

We are following approved protocols and have appropriate regulations in place around the William Hill World Darts Championship, one of which is that all players and staff must produce a negative Covid test result on their return to the event after the Christmas break.”

The World Championship has come under wide criticism for the number of spectators, with up to 3000 people in attendance per night, with public health expert Keith Neal recently warning the tournament about fans attending.

He said: “I would tell the local authorities do not let it happen with a crowd.

“It is Covid spreading on steroids. There is no concept of social distancing and they will not be wearing masks because they are drinking.”

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