Darts star who accused rival of 'dishonest' after Worlds defeat doubles down

Joe Cullen has doubled down on his scathing assault on opponent Mensur Suljovic, standing by his declare of ‘dishonest’ in opposition to the Austrian. The darts star fell to a 3-1 second-round defeat in opposition to Suljovic on the World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace.

Cullen was angered by his opponent’s tempo all through the match. He was seen glancing at his watch and muttering, ‘Hurry up,’ whereas Suljovic ready himself on the oche. He was then noticed exchanging sharp phrases throughout the post-match handshake.

Following the match, Cullen vented his frustrations on the state of affairs on social media. He posted: “If that is darts, I do not need no a part of it! At all times favored Mensur away from the board however that was plain for all to see!

“I do not suppose I am alone in feeling this manner. The previous guard will say it is a part of the sport however phrase it how you’ll – it is CHEATING! That is not darts.”

His feedback have earned him some criticism from across the sport, however in his newest feedback, Cullen is sticking by his stance. He advised the Telegraph and Argus: “It was a little bit of a head loss from myself afterwards, although I nonetheless don’t agree with what Mensur does.

“I do know he performs that approach more often than not, however he was worse than standard.

“He even acquired warned by the referee, which I’ve by no means seen earlier than, so I can level my finger at Mensur and say he was an a****ole. However in the end, Mensur was poor and I let it have an effect on me, which is extra of a gripe on my half.”

When requested if he regretted accusing his opponents of dishonest, he mentioned: “I nonetheless personally suppose it’s dishonest. I’ve at all times mentioned it since I began taking part in, In the event you’re doing one thing to intentionally have an effect on the opposite participant, I stand by believing that’s dishonest.

“I’ve at all times acquired on with Mensur fairly effectively, so it was disappointing. He knew precisely what he was doing and he did precisely what I anticipated, just a bit bit worse.

“In the end he was very poor and that’s essentially the most irritating factor for myself, as a result of I ought to win that recreation comfortably.” Suljovic is subsequent in motion on Saturday when he takes on defending champions Luke Littler of their spherical of the World Championships. The sport is predicted to start out at round 9.40pm.