How Mensur Suljovic could be punished as PDC refer him to darts regulator after Ross Smith match
Mensur Suljovic will now be investigated after the PDC referred him to the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) over comments he made following his Swiss Darts Trophy victory over Ross Smith.
Suljovic beat Smith 6-5 in Basel on Sunday on his way to the semi-final of the Swiss Darts Trophy, with Smith having missed match darts in the deciding leg.
Unbeknown to the Englishman at the time, however, Suljovic could be seen appearing to encourage the crowd as they booed Smith during his throw. Once he found out about the incident, Smith was highly critical on social media of Suljovic - whose comments on-stage later on Sunday have been widely condemned.
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What Mensur Suljovic said after Ross Smith incident
Speaking to master of ceremonies Philip Brzezinski on-stage after his subsequent victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode in Basel, Suljovic was responding to a question about Smith's complaints by stating that 'women complain'.
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"Look, Ross Smith is one of the best players in the world," he said (as per Darts News). "What is the guy complaining about? He has to play his game, otherwise he can go straight home. Women complain, sorry. You don't do that.
"Okay, I got the crowd going a little, just like in Germany. I need the support. I can't do anything without you. Thank you."
The Austrian has since apologised to Smith for his actions during the deciding leg, stating that he was 'really caught up in the emotion of the moment ... and in doing so, I didn't fully realise that Ross was throwing for the match'.
"My statement about women in the interview was also completely inappropriate," he added. "I should never have said that. I would like to expressly apologise to all women for it."
On Monday evening, the PDC confirmed they had referred Suljovic to the independent Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) over both his actions and comments, and would be making no further comment themselves
READ NEXT: Mensur Suljovic crossed the line with unacceptable on-stage comment after Ross Smith allegations
What the DRA will do now following Mensur Suljovic referral
Following the PDC's referral, the DRA now must decide whether Suljovic's actions fall under serious, minor or non-minor misconduct - all three of which are punishable in different ways. Alternatively, they can elect to take no further action should the allegation(s) not meet the threshold.
Though a non-exhaustive list, non-minor misconduct covers offences such as disruptive behaviour, of which there was one case between the years of 2023 and 2026 - the time period which the DRA's latest published list of disciplinary hearings covers. There were also found to be various examples of tournament rule breaches in that time period.
Exact details of the PDC's investigation will only be made public following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings, if Suljovic is given a punishment. Article 3 of the DRA Rule Book covers varying matters related to its Code of Conduct, while Article 18 covers potential sanctions, which range from a fine to a reprimand or a suspended sanction.
Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster believes that Suljovic should be fined over his actions, stating: "I'm sure the DRA will get involved now, it's not good sportsmanship, is it? Rightly so, he should get fined."
Topics: Darts
Ryan Smart