{"id":470,"date":"2026-03-31T13:13:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T13:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=470"},"modified":"2026-03-31T13:13:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T13:13:40","slug":"darts-star-accuses-rival-of-cheating-at-ally-pally-in-scathing-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=470","title":{"rendered":"Darts star accuses rival of &#8216;cheating&#8217; at Ally Pally in scathing attack"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_cc3189\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The World Darts Championship is filled with joy, fancy dress, laughter and booze, but when two players are on the stage, it can be a place of anger and frustration<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36438062\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mensur Suljovic and Joe Cullen on stage at World Darts Championship\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438062.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Screenshot-705.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438062.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Screenshot-705.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438062.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Screenshot-705.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438062.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Screenshot-705.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"There was a lot of needle in one darts match this evening\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">There was a lot of needle in one darts match this evening<cite aria-label=\"Image: X\/OfficialPDC\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: X\/OfficialPDC)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Joe Cullen has launched a scathing social media tirade against Mensur Suljovic, branding the veteran darts player a &#8216;cheat.&#8217; The Bradford thrower suffered a disappointing defeat to the Austrian in a tense second-round World Darts Championship clash.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Suljovic staged a remarkable fightback from a set down to secure a 3-1 victory over the Englishman at Alexandra Palace. Throughout the match, Cullen was seen sarcastically glancing at his watch and muttering &#8216;hurry up&#8217; to himself whilst the 53-year-old prepared his throws at the oche.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Suljovic is known for taking longer than most players on the circuit, but &#8216;the Rockstar&#8217; became increasingly irritated by his rival&#8217;s deliberate pace and extended celebrations. During their post-match handshake, Cullen exchanged sharp words with Suljovic, who merely laughed in return.<\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_13e0b4\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Darts star apologises for &#8216;blatant lying&#8217; in statement after PDC World Championship ban<\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_13e0b4\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Who is Luke Littler playing today and why did he have 10 days off at World Darts Championship?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">As Cullen left the stage, he stopped abruptly, turned back and shot Suljovic a frosty stare whilst the Austrian celebrated with the crowd. Cullen pulled no punches in his furious social media outburst.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He posted: &#8220;If that&#8217;s darts, I don&#8217;t want no part of it! Always liked Mensur away from the board but that was plain for all to see!<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;m alone in feeling this way. The old guard will say it&#8217;s part of the game but word it how you will &#8211; it&#8217;s CHEATING! That&#8217;s not darts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When asked about Cullen&#8217;s angry reaction and whether he had apologised for his slow play during his post-match press conference, Suljovic looked bemused.<\/p>\n<div class=\"HtmlEmbed_container__x6svQ\">\n<figure data-testid=\"embed-placeholder\" class=\"EmbedPlaceholder_figure__NLMFl undefined false\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"90\" height=\"90\" viewbox=\"0 0 90 90\" fill=\"none\" data-testid=\"consent-placeholder-icon\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_10846_5865)\"><circle opacity=\"0.16\" cx=\"45\" cy=\"45\" r=\"33.75\" fill=\"var(--color-sem-icon-neutral-default)\"\/><path d=\"M21.1351 21.1351C15.0276 27.2427 11.25 35.6802 11.25 45C11.25 63.6396 26.3604 78.75 45 78.75C54.3198 78.75 62.7573 74.9724 68.8649 68.8649M21.1351 21.1351C27.2427 15.0276 35.6802 11.25 45 11.25C63.6396 11.25 78.75 26.3604 78.75 45C78.75 54.3198 74.9724 62.7573 68.8649 68.8649M21.1351 21.1351L68.8649 68.8649\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-neutral-default)\" stroke-width=\"7.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/g><defs><clippath id=\"clip0_10846_5865\"><rect width=\"90\" height=\"90\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><\/svg><figcaption>Content cannot be displayed without consent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He replied: &#8220;Never have I ever said sorry to Joe Cullen in person. I play on that stage, what&#8217;s his problem?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I say sorry, maybe, to the referee maybe, but for Joe Cullen? Never. &#8216;You play this, you play this&#8217; everybody plays different.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I wait maybe 40 seconds before first dart. Some guys (gestures throwing motion) and my head (gestures almost being hit in the head by a dart). This is not okay.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36438045\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36438045\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mensur Suljovic of Austria reacts against Joe Cullen of England (not pictured) during the Round Two match between Mensur Suljovic and Joe Cullen in the 2025\/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship  at Alexandra Palace on December 21, 2025 in London, England\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2252972053.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_GettyImages-2252972053.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_GettyImages-2252972053.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2252972053.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Suljovic's celebrations also irked Cullen as well\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Suljovic&#8217;s celebrations also irked Cullen as well<cite aria-label=\"Image: 2025 Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: 2025 Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When pressed further about the incident, Suljovic said: &#8220;I don&#8217;t know what his problem is. What is the problem? I gave him missed doubles and everything?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I&#8217;m never doing darts not correct. Maybe I am (gestures a celebration) my face or &#8216;come on&#8217; too much. I like Joe Cullen. He is a very nice guy, but&#8230;&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In the next round, Suljovic could take on defending world champion Luke Littler. The 18-year-old faces darts player and NHS area manager David Davies in his next match.<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36330531.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>\u00a335<\/p>\n<p>Sky<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=11005&amp;awinaffid=213635&amp;campaign=&amp;clickref=Mirror-football.london&amp;ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Fdeals&amp;platform=pl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Get Sky Sports here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The PDC <!-- -->World Darts Championship gets underway on December 11 and fans can watch <!-- -->every match exclusively live with Sky&#8217;s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The World Darts Championship is filled with joy, fancy dress, laughter and booze, but when<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":471,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=470"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}