Rob Cross faces DRA punishment after gesture was picked up by Sky Sports cameras during World Championship defeat

Rob Cross could receive a hefty fine from the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) after he was spotted making an obscene gesture during his World Championship defeat to Scott Williams.

The 34-year-old, who lifted the title in 2018 following a memorable win over Phil Taylor, became the latest seed to crash out of this year's World Darts Championship as he fell to a 3-1 defeat against Williams.

After winning the opening set, a frustrated Cross struggled to build on that early dominance. In fact, he could be seen staring down the crowd at Alexandra Palace on Monday night as Williams continued to impress.

After losing the second set, Cross showed his annoyance by making a controversial gesture as he exited the stage – and it was a moment that was captured by theSky Sports cameras.

As you can see from the footage below, the fifth seed formed a loose grip with his right hand before raising it to his face while moving it side to side, pushing his cheek out with his tongue.

The lewd gesture could well result in disciplinary action from darts authorities.

A short time later, Cross was knocked out at the second round stage as last year's semi-finalist Williams cruised into the third round, where he will face Ricardo 'Pikachu' Pietreczko.

As mentioned earlier, the Pembury-born player was the latest seed to suffer defeat as he followed Michael Smith, Gary Anderson, Raymond van Barneveld and David Chisnall through the exit door.

Chris Dobey, who will face Josh Rock in the third round, is not surprised by the amount of big-name departures.

"For the likes of myself and a few of the other lads, it's no surprise because on floor this year, anybody can beat anybody," he told talkSPORT.

"The standard is so high now so nothing to us is kind of a shock. It is for you guys because you suspect Gary and that to do well. But the standard now is ridiculous and everybody can beat anybody."

ROB CROSS 😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VH8A62UUtM

— DartsAnonymous (@anonymous_darts) December 23, 2024

He added: "Honestly I'm so happy with where my game's at. I was a bit scrappy on the doubles the other night but if I can hit my doubles sooner, then I think I can go really deep in the competition, I'm feeling confident."