A spectator who resembles Jesus should be allowed to attend the upcoming Ladbrokes World Darts Championship, says defending champion Phil Taylor.

Nathan Grindal hit the headlines last year after he found himself ejected from the Player Championships when his presence caused a stir among fans. Reports - which have been denied by the organisers - suggested Grindal could be banned from attending the event at Alexandra Palace which starts on Friday for fear of a repeat of the disturbances which saw fans chanting 'Jesus' too loudly.

Taylor, who will be looking to win a 17th World Championship, told the Daily Mirror: "Every year we get people dressed as Superman, Spiderman, Thunderbirds and nuns coming to the World Championship, and the punters in fancy dress add to the fantastic atmosphere of the occasion.

"I see no reason why we should not let a bloke who looks like Jesus enjoy the spectacle - as long as he observes the rules like everybody else.

"If Clark Kent, Peter Parker, Virgil Tracy or Mother Theresa misbehaved, they would be thrown out, and the same applies to 'Jesus'."