- The world number 82 has been suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority
- Adam Smith-Neale appeared to hit an opponent during an amateur darts event
- The 30-year-old regained his PDC tour card last year after a five-year absence
Professional darts player Adam Smith-Neale has been suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority after footage emerged of him allegedly punching his opponent after losing at a local amateur event.
The world number 82 attended the amateur darts event in Nuneaton on Saturday, where shocking footage shows him appearing to punch someone in the face immediately after losing a match.
Smith-Neale’s response has now gone viral after the 30-year-old was confronted by shocked onlookers around the oche after he launched the alleged attack on the unsuspecting player.
A confrontation broke out in the small room shortly after Smith-Neale had a conversation with the opponent who had just won the match.
He then proceeds to launch a shocking right hand punch that appears to connect with the person trying to defuse the situation by running away.
Professional darts player Adam Smith-Neale has been suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority
Footage has emerged online showing Smith-Neale appearing to punch his opponent during an amateur darts event
Shocked spectators then become involved with an individual repeatedly pushing Smith-Neale back to the board as he continues to cut an aggravated frame.
He then returns to a table where his arrows lie before appearing to walk in the opposite direction of the crowd.
The DRA, darts’ governing body, has now suspended Smith-Neale, saying in a statement: ‘On 12 March 2024, Nigel Mawer, the chairman of the DRA, took the decision to suspend Adam Smith-Neale from attending or competing to DRA-approved events.
‘This relates to an allegation that he assaulted another player at the end of his match at an amateur event in Nuneaton played on March 9, 2024.
Smith-Neale (on the right) is pushed into the corner by a spectator after the alleged punch
“He has the right to appeal the suspension decision and will face a disciplinary hearing at a date to be determined.”
The decision means Smith-Neale will miss the upcoming Players Championship 5 and 6 events in Hildesheim, Germany next week, having only regained his PDC tour card last year after a five-year absence.
A PDC spokesperson revealed they were aware of the footage, saying: ‘The PDC is aware of a video from an unaffiliated event, featuring a Tour Card holder, which is circulating on social media.
‘The Darts Regulation Authority has been notified and is investigating this as appropriate.’