PATRIOTIC Nathan Aspinall is gearing up for an exciting England versus Germany duel with Ricardo Pietreczko set for Monday.

However, his third-round match against Andrew Gilding was briefly halted when a fan downed a JUG of alcohol!

Nathan Aspinall stopped in his tracks during the world darts championship

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Nathan Aspinall halted during the world darts championship
It came as he watched a fan trying to chug down a jug of beer

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He observed a fan attempting to chug down a jug of beer
The fan was seen wearing a hot dog costume during the challenge

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The spectator donned a hot dog costume during the contestCredit: PA

At 33 years old, Aspinall, a two-time semi-finalist, has reached the Last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship for the first time in five years, achieving a 4-0 victory over Goldfinger while converting 60 percent of his doubles.

The Stockport player, who plans to take his family to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland on Sunday, stated: “I’m in the Last 16, and it’s England vs Germany.

“It’s going to be fantastic. The German fans are ardent supporters of darts – it will make for a great atmosphere.

“Expect plenty of football vibes. I thrive in such environments and am excited. Let’s hope we can deliver an outstanding performance.”

Both players paused their match during the final leg as the crowd cheered for a fan who downed his drink in one go.

Aspinall humorously noted: “He was chugging a jug. Normally, you would chug a pint, but this guy went for a four-pint jug.

“I was just curious to see if he could finish it – he did, but he ended up getting ejected. Good for him!

“Incredible. And right after that, I missed the board while aiming for the 18.”

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Social media users reacted to the beer-drinking interruption, with one saying: “Aspinall knows how to entertain, even during tense moments…”

Another added: “The Asp is the people’s champion.”

The Sun captures the spirit at the World Darts Championships

A third fan commented: “Greatest sport on earth.”

Another remarked: “There’s nothing like it!”

Berlin native Pietreczko eliminated Lincolnshire’s Scott Williams 4-1 – a year after Williams’ careless comments about winning “two World Wars and one World Cup” regarding German fans.

Pietreczko, 30, said: “There are many German fans here with tickets, creating an incredible atmosphere.

“It felt pretty balanced with about 50-50 support, and it was a pleasure to compete against Scott in front of this crowd.

“I was close to defeating Luke Humphries last year, but now I’m in the Last 16 and eager to face him again in the semi-finals!”

Unseeded Ryan Joyce represented the North East by defeating Ryan Searle – who averaged 100.97 – 4-3 in the third round.

World Darts Championship – highlights

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