Darts star handed two-year ban after being found guilty of match-fixing
Darts star Jack Main has been banned for two years after being found guilty of match-fixing by the Darts Regulation Authority.
Main had been suspended in November after the International Betting Integrity Association reported suspicious betting on the match between Main and Lisa Ashton in the Modus Super Series Event last June.
After an investigation, it was ruled by DRA chairman Nigel Mawer that Main had a case to answer for breaches of the DRA Betting Rules. There is no suggestion that Ashton was involved in any way.
Main lost 4-0 to Ashton in the match concerned, as he hit an average of 72.92 and failed to score a checkout. Following a hearing, the Englishman has been banned until December 2025 and hit with a fine of more than £750.
"On 11th December 2023 the DRA Disciplinary Committee heard the case against Jack Main where he was charged with fixing the outcome of his match with Lisa Ashton Ashton, played on 9th June 2023 in the Modus Super Series Event," a DRA statement read.
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"The Committee found that he was in breach of the DRA Betting Rules 2.1.2 and 2.1.3. On 9th February 2024 the Committee has released its decision on sanction.
"Jack Main has been suspended from attending or competing in DRA governed events until 31st December 2025 and to pay £762.41 in costs. He has the right to appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Committee."
Main has yet to publicly comment on the punishment but has been active on his Twitter account and retweeted a post slamming his ban. The tweet - posted by TheDartsReferee account - read: "Jack Main has been absolutely shafted here, with no evidence released, he now has to live the rest of his life with a big ‘cheat’ sign above his head, countless messages of abuse, loss of earnings and loss of respect from his peers and fans of darts."
Main was being investigated for a defeat to Lisa Ashton (Pieter Verbeek/BSR Agency/Getty Images)Earlier in the day of his defeat to Ashton, Main had beaten Ryan Harrington 4-1, lost a 4-3 thriller to Simon McGuirk and claimed a 4-3 win over Thibaut Tricole. The 27-year-old also held a PDC Tour Card from 2021/2022.
He quickly made an impact in the PDC tour, hitting two 9-darters at the Players Championship in 2022. But his form dropped off after that achievement and he ultimately lost his card, turning instead to amateur darts.
His career though is now over until 2026 after this ban, subject to if he decides to appeal. Main only took up darts seven years ago after being forced to give up on a career in football due to a serious injury.
He told the Eastern Daily Press: "I played for Norwich as a young lad. When I got released I went to Lowestoft – I was on the verge of signing for their first team when I got injured.
"I snapped my kneecap in three places. I’ve got three screws in my knee now and they took my cartilage out. My knee was an absolute goner."
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