Shocking moment PDC darts player appears to PUNCH opponent after losing a match at a pub tournament – as investigation is launched into clash

This is the shocking moment a PDC darts player punches his opponent after being defeated at a pub tournament.

Adam Smith-Neale, 30, faced opponent Sam Whittaker in the Nuneaton Darts Open at The Lucky Break pub in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on Saturday, where he suffered the shock defeat.

However, the PDC world number 82, nicknamed ‘Big Dog’, didn’t take the loss well and stunned spectators as he threw a punch at his opponent after he threw the winning dart. 

The Darts Regulation Authority have been made aware of the video and are now investigating the clash.

Punters shared the outrageous CCTV footage on social media yesterday and the clip has racked up a number of comments from stunned darts fans who couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

The footage shows Smith-Neale, a PDC card holder, dressed in a green top and jeans, throwing his three darts at the board and looking displeased as he collects them.

His opponent Sam then steps up to the oche and plants his first dart before finding the match winning double to send Smith-Neale out of the tournament.

Sam turns to sportingly shake hands with the 30-year-old but is instead met with a big right hook smashed into his face.

Incredibly, he brushes off the attack and collects his darts before waving off any spectators from reacting.

Sam who is dressed in a white polo shirt with black and red trim seems to laugh it off and points a thumb at the disgraced player who still seems to fancy more physicality.

A bystander then moves from the back of the crowd, incensed at the actions of Smith-Neale, and grabs his arm before throwing him against the darts referee who is trapped.

Smith-Neale doesn’t seem to have the appetite to take on the man who is the same size as him and continues to get pushed at the oche by the angry punter.

The shocking clip comes to an end as the man continues to give Smith-Neale a piece of his mind while the PDC pro tries to exit the pub.

Punters shared the outrageous CCTV yesterday with the caption: ‘Adam Smith-Neale at his tricks again, a local open getting beat by a county player, clearly can’t take it.

‘What do you think about this, Official PDC?’

The clip racked up more than 650 likes with dozens of comments from stunned darts fans who couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

One said: ‘Looks like bringing the game into disrepute, the PDC should act.’

Another added: ‘Shocking footage.’

A third commented: ‘S**t it when the other bloke waded in though didn’t he?’

Another replied: ‘[He] needs a lifetime ban.’ 

A spokesperson for the PDC 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.’

Smith-Neale’s reaction to defeat overshadowed the return of the Nuneaton Darts Open which returned after a six-year absence.

The promoter of the event commented on the incident and told fans it wouldn’t be tolerated regardless of who does it.

Mark Grimes said: ‘There was one incident, it won’t be tolerated, anyone who wants to do that won’t be welcome no matter who they are.

‘We know there is more than one side of the story, let’s move onto the business end of the event.’

The Nuneaton Darts Open 2024 was eventually won by Steve Hine who defeated Sam Whittaker in the semi-final.