Introduction: Darts, Drama, and Controversy
When you think of darts, you might imagine a quiet pub game, a friendly competition between friends. But the world of professional darts is far from quiet. It’s filled with high stakes, intense rivalries, and yes, even controversy. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most controversial moments in darts history.
The Great Split of 1993
The year 1993 saw one of the biggest controversies in darts history. It was the year when the British Darts Organisation (BDO) and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) split. The top 16 players in the world, unhappy with the way the BDO was being run, decided to form their own organisation, the PDC. This split the world of darts in two and caused a rift that is still felt today.
The Jocky Wilson Tax Evasion Scandal
Scottish darts legend Jocky Wilson was a household name in the 1980s, but his career came crashing down in 1990 when he was convicted of tax evasion. Wilson had failed to declare earnings from exhibition matches, leading to a hefty fine and a tarnished reputation. This scandal not only affected Wilson’s career but also cast a shadow over the sport of darts.
The Eric Bristow Dartitis Saga
Eric Bristow, one of the most successful darts players of all time, faced a unique controversy in the late 1980s. He developed a condition known as ‘dartitis’, a psychological affliction that prevented him from releasing his darts at the right time. This condition, often compared to ‘the yips’ in golf, caused a significant dip in Bristow’s performance and raised questions about the mental pressures of the sport.
The Phil Taylor Groping Accusation
In 1999, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, arguably the greatest darts player of all time, was embroiled in a scandal when he was accused of groping two women. Taylor was convicted and fined, but the controversy didn’t end there. The PDC stood by Taylor, causing outrage among fans and critics who felt that the organisation was not taking the issue seriously.
The Adrian Lewis Suspension
Adrian Lewis, a two-time PDC World Champion, found himself in hot water in 2018 when he was suspended following an on-stage altercation with fellow player Jose Justicia. Lewis was seen to push Justicia during their UK Open qualifier match, leading to his suspension. This incident sparked a debate about sportsmanship and behaviour in professional darts.
The Peter Manley Walk-Off
Peter ‘One Dart’ Manley was known for his antics on the oche, but he took it a step further in the 2006 PDC World Championship. After losing to Phil Taylor in the final, Manley refused to shake Taylor’s hand and walked off the stage. This unsporting behaviour was met with boos from the crowd and criticism from the darts community.
The Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson Feud
The 2018 Grand Slam of Darts final saw a heated exchange between Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson. Price’s over-the-top celebrations and antics on the stage seemed to rile Anderson, leading to a physical confrontation. Price was later fined for his behaviour, and this incident ignited a fierce rivalry between the two players that continues to this day.
