Darts Star Disqualified from World Championship Breaks Silence On Shock Ban

Dom Taylor has broken his silence after being thrown out of the World Darts Championship after statements from the Professional Darts Corporation and the Darts Regulation Authority.

Taylor had secured his place in round two after beating Oskar Lukasiak 3-0 in the first round at Alexandra Palace.

He was slated to face Welsh star Jonny Clayton in the second round before a shock statement from the PDC was released on Friday evening confirming Taylor had been disqualified from the event after a failed drugs test.

The PDC's governing body, the Darts Regulation Authority said: "In line with its ongoing anti-doping procedures the PDC and DRA are conducting drug testing during the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. On 19 December, the DRA was notified of an adverse analytical finding in respect of the player Dom Taylor resulting from a test conducted on 14 December.

"As a result of this and in line with relevant DRA processes, Dom Taylor has been suspended from participating in any DRA regulated events with immediate effect."

The statement continued: "This matter will now be the subject of a disciplinary process in line with the relevant DRA Anti-Doping Rules.

"The DRA will not be making any further comment pending the outcome of this confidential process."

Dom Taylor was disqualified (Getty)

The 27-year-old has now spoken out on the decision, apologising for lying in his interview after defeating Lukasiak and explained the reasons behind his failed test.

He wrote in a lengthy statement on Facebook: "The first thing I need to say is SORRY!!

"I am sorry to every single one of my family, friends, sponsors, management team and most important of all, you guys, all my fans be it outside of darts or inside of darts, the game/sport I love the most. Also I need to apologise for blatant lying to you all in my interview after my win against Oskar last week, as I have been lying to MYSELF and everyone else around me!

"I DID complete and finish the course that I was required to do at the end of last/beginning of this year, along with every thing else I was required to do and sanctions!

"It is NO excuse but all I can put it down to is the trauma’s I had in my early teen life, finding my deceased nan in bed at the age of 12, then within a year multiple other events happened including my brother having a heart attack and being non-responsive for 45 mins along with a very close friend dying of a brain tumour which all hit me very very hard, my parents being the great parents they are got me counselling and help at the time but in hindsight I should of had more that just that little bit!!

"I have let many of people down to say the least but most importantly I have let down 4 main people, my 2 daughters and my 2 biggest fans of which my grampy passed before I made it, but my dad on the other hand who is of course always supporting me ringing me with words of encouragement and advise from his experience playing the game pushing to high levels but not quite to the mark I was able to despite all of his health issues which is always on my mind too!

"Not to mention the rest of my family at home who support constantly and the man who drives me everywhere!"

Taylor references a similar situation last year where he was also banned for failing a drug test.

His scheduled opponent Clayton was given a bye into the third round as per PDC rules and their match slated for Saturday evening was cancelled.

It isn't yet clear what punishment Taylor will be handed by the DRA after second violation of the rules.