Mensur Suljovic issues apology over Swiss Darts Trophy conduct amid DRA referral

Mensur Suljovic has issued an apology for his crowd incitement against Ross Smith and his post-match comments which have now been referred to the Darts Regulation Authority.

Suljovic landed himself in hot water for his alleged gamesmanship and ‘sexist’ post-match comments at the Swiss Darts Trophy on Sunday.

The Austrian veteran was seen to whip up the crowd whilst Smith threw for a match double in the deciding leg of their Last 16 tie in Basel.

Smith missed his two attempts at double 18 before Suljovic returned to snatch a 6-5 victory, having trailed 5-3.

After being branded “an absolute helmet” by Smith on social media in the wake of the match , Suljovic hit back in his on-stage interview following his quarter-final win over Dirk van Duijvenbode.

The 54-year-old said: “Look, Ross Smith is one of the best players in the world. What is the guy complaining about? He has to play his game, otherwise he can go straight home.

“What’s his problem? He complains like a woman. In England, the fans are against me. Everywhere, they’re against me. And now he suddenly complains?

“He had to hit it [match dart] and it would have been over. I’d already be home by now, my wife would be thrilled.

“Okay, I got the crowd going a little, just like in Germany. I need the support. I can’t do anything without you.

Suljovic was sternly challenged by MC Philip Brzezinski, who stated he disagreed with the Austrian’s comments and the timing of his actions whilst Smith was throwing.

Suljovic responded: “I didn’t see that. It could be, okay. I’ll have to watch it back on video.

“I encouraged the crowd behind me, but he has to understand that. The crowd can do what it wants, can’t it?.”

On Monday afternoon, Suljovic subsequently issued an apology after it had been confirmed his comments had been referred to the DRA – the sport’s governing body.

“I would like to comment once again on my match against Ross Smith and the interview that followed,” he said.

“The emotions got the better of me in that moment. I wanted to get the crowd behind me and, in doing so, I didn’t properly realise that Ross was throwing for the match.

“Looking back, I understand that the timing was unfortunate and was perceived as unfair. I would like to apologise to Ross for that.

“Ross is, in my opinion, one of the best darts players in the world, and I have great respect for him and his achievements.

“My comment about women during the interview was also completely inappropriate. I should never have said something like that. I would like to sincerely apologise to all women for those remarks.

“Darts thrives on emotion, but fairness and respect are just as important. Yesterday, I let my emotions get the better of me.

“I’m sorry for that.”

A PDC statement confirmed “the matter on stage and interview has now been referred to the Darts Regulation Authority” and issued “no further comment”.