Darts Stars Involved In Heated Moment After Match as Referee Forced to Step In

Mensur Suljovic and Joe Cullen had a heated exchange after their second round match at the World Darts Championship.

Suljovic defeated Cullen 3-1 in sets to progress to the third round at Alexandra Palace.

But Cullen grew increasingly frustrated with the Austrian as the match reached its conclusion, primarily due to the time his opponent was taking to retrieve the darts from the board.

After Suljovic celebrated a break of throw in the final set, he was briefly warned by match referee Kirk Bevins.

The pair had a post-match handshake but Cullen remained unhappy, shaking his head as he picked up his darts case.

And as Suljovic celebrated in front of the Ally Pally crowd, Cullen turned around to glare at the Austrian before resuming his walk off the stage.

Suljovic spotted Cullen and walked towards him in an apparent attempt to ease the tensions, but 'The Rockstar' had already departed the stage by that point.

Speaking to Sky Sports' Abigail Davies after his win, Suljovic said: "This reaction, it's normal. I needed it [the win].

"Joe Cullen missed... I think I missed as well. It was a very nice game. Respect for Joe Cullen. I shook his hand. Respect for this guy, I like him.

"Every day is different. I give my best, and I focus on my game. If you do the basic stuff in the game, you win the game.

"Luke [Littler, who Suljovic could face in round three] is the world champion. The best player in the world. See you Luke... see you, buddy."

Suljovic will face either reigning champion Littler or Wales' David Davies in round three.

As for Cullen, he has lost his second match at the World Championship for the second year in a row.

The Englishman was critical of the bookmakers' odds before his first round win over Bradley Brooks, having been priced as the narrow outsider for the match.

Cullen was rated as the favourite to defeat Suljovic, but will end the 2025/26 season outside of the top 32 in the PDC Order of Merit.