13 March 2024 , 10:27
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Professional darts star Adam Smith-Neale has been suspended after footage emerged of him appearing to punch his opponent at a local amateur event.
Smith-Neale is ranked at No.82 in the world and holds a PDC tour card. He was taking part in an event in Nuneaton on Saturday, with video emerging of him appearing to strike a person in the face after losing a match to them.
The 30-year-old was confronted by shocked spectators, having allegedly punched the man as he turned to shake Smith-Neale's hand. The man collected his darts and walked off, with several fans then confronting Smith-Neale.
The footage of the incident went viral, with the Darts Regulation Authority now taking strong action against him. The DRA, which is darts' governing body, has announced they have suspended the 30-year-old.
The DRA said in a statement: "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.
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"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. He has the right to appeal the suspension decision and he will face a disciplinary hearing at a date to be arranged."
The PDC are also aware of the incident. A spokesperson said: "The PDC are aware of a video from a non-affiliated event, featuring a Tour Card Holder, which is circulating on social media.
Footage of Smith-Neale appearing to punch an opponent went viral over the weekend (anonymous_darts/Twitter)"The Darts Regulation Authority have been made aware and are investigating this appropriately."
The decision on Smith-Neale means that he will miss the upcoming Players Championship events in Hildesheim in Germany next week. He does have the right to appeal, though it is unknown if he will pursue that option.
The 30-year-old only regained his PDC tour card last year, having been absent from the tour for five years. Smith-Neale has endured a mixed season so far this year, having missed the first two Players Championships.
He then lost 6-5 to Luke Woodhouse in the first round of the Players Championship 3. He fared slightly better in Players Championship 4, beating William O'Connor, before being smashed by Raymond van Barneveld.
In his last outing on the PDC Tour, he lost to Dutch star Patrick Geeraets in the first round of the UK Open. Smith-Neale has won one major title in his career, at the 2018 World Masters.