A professional darts player, Adam “Big Dog” Smith-Neale, has been suspended after a video surfaced showing him allegedly punching an opponent following a pub match. The incident, which occurred during the Nuneaton Darts Open at the Lucky Break pub on Saturday, has stirred significant attention on social media.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has taken swift action, confirming the suspension of Smith-Neale, who currently holds the PDC world No. 82 ranking. The suspension prohibits him from attending or participating in any DRA-sanctioned events while an investigation into the matter is underway.
Nigel Mawer, Chairman of the DRA, issued a statement addressing the situation: “On 12th March 2024, Nigel Mawer, the DRA chairman, took the decision to suspend Adam Smith-Neale from attending or competing in DRA sanctioned events. This relates to an allegation that he assaulted another player at the end of his match in an amateur event in Nuneaton played on 9th March 2024.”
The altercation has sparked discussions regarding sportsmanship and behavior within the professional darts community. Smith-Neale’s suspension reflects the seriousness with which such incidents are viewed by regulatory bodies, as they strive to uphold the integrity of the sport. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Adam “Big Dog” Smith-Neale, the professional darts player suspended following an altercation at a pub match, has the right to appeal the decision to suspend him. A disciplinary hearing will be scheduled at a later date to address the incident.
The decision to suspend Smith-Neale came after widespread outrage within the darts community when footage from the event emerged, appearing to show him throwing a right hand punch at his opponent who went to shake hands after hitting a winning double. Fortunately, a spectator intervened to prevent further violence.
Smith-Neale, who reclaimed his PDC Tour card in 2023 but has faced challenges in making an impact since then, has yet to comment on the incident. However, the PDC has acknowledged awareness of a circulating video from a non-affiliated event featuring a tour card holder on social media.
