A professional darts player has been suspended after footage of him appearing to punch his opponent after losing a pub match went viral on social media.
The Darts Regulatory Authority has confirmed that PDC world number 82 Adam “The Big Dog” Smithneale will be banned from playing or participating in tournaments while an investigation is carried out into the incident, which took place at the Nuneaton Darts Open at Lucky Break Bar on Saturday .
“On 12 March 2024, DRA Chairman Nigel Mawer decided to suspend Adam Smith-Neale from participating in or participating in DRA sanctioned events,” the company said in a statement expressed in. “This relates to an allegation that he assaulted another player at the end of an amateur event in Nuneaton on March 9, 2024.”
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“He has the right to appeal the suspension decision and will face a disciplinary hearing on a scheduled date.”
The decision came after widespread outrage within the darts community after footage from the match appeared to show Smith-Neal throwing his right hand after shaking hands after his opponent hit a double. A bystander then intervened to prevent further violence.
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Smith-Neal won back her PDC Tour card in 2023 but has struggled to achieve results since then and has yet to comment. However, the PDC has confirmed it is aware of a “video from an unaffiliated event, featuring a travel card holder, which has been circulated on social media”.
