Professional darts player Adam Smith-Neale has been suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority after footage emerged of him allegedly punching his opponent after losing at a local amateur event.
The world number 82 attended the amateur darts event in Nuneaton on Saturday where shocking footage shows him appearing to strike a person in the face immediately after losing a game.
Smith-Neale’s reaction has now gone viral after the 30-year-old was confronted by shocked spectators surrounding the oche after he launched the alleged assault on the unsuspecting player.
A confrontation erupted in the small venue space shortly after Smith-Neale conversed with the opposing player who had just won the match.
He then proceeds to launch a shocking right-hand punch that appears to connect with the individual who attempts to defuse the situation by walking away.
Shocked onlookers then get involved with one person repeatedly pushing Smith-Neale back towards the board as he continues to cut an aggravated frame.
He then heads back to a table where his darts lay before appearing to walk in the opposite direction of the crowd.
The DRA, darts’ governing body, has now suspended Smith-Neale and said in a statement: ‘On 12th March 2024 Nigel Mawer the DRA chairman took the decision to suspend Adam Smith-Neale from attending or competing in DRA sanctioned events.
‘This relates to an allegation that he assaulted another player at the end of his match in an amateur event in Nuneaton played on 9th March 2024.
‘He has the right to appeal the suspension decision and he will face a disciplinary hearing at a date to be arranged.’
The decision means Smith-Neale will miss the upcoming Players Championship 5 and 6 events in Hildesheim, Germany next week after only regaining his PDC tour card last year following a five-year absence.
A PDC spokesperson revealed they are aware of the footage and said: ‘The PDC are aware of a video from a non-affiliated event, featuring a Tour Card Holder, which is circulating on social media.
‘The Darts Regulation Authority have been made aware and are investigating this appropriately.’