Adam Smith-Neale suspended with immediate effect by the DRA

Adam Smith-Neale suspended with immediate effect by the DRA

Adam Smith-Neale has been suspended by the DRA with immediate effect for allegedly assaulting an opponent during an open event.

The incident occurred in Nuneaton on Saturday, March 9, and video footage on social media appears to show Smith-Neale slapping his opponent in the face at the end of a match.

His opponent, who remains unknown at this time, turned around to shake hands after landing the winning double, but was met by a furious Smith-Neale, who struck out before being confronted by another spectator.

The 30-year-old, who now holds a PDC Tour Card, has been banned from attending or competing in DRA-sanctioned tournaments until further notice.

He has the option to challenge the judgement, and a disciplinary hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Smith-Neale won the Winmau World Masters in 2018 before reclaiming his PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School last year.

The world number 82 has been no stranger to controversy over the years, with several fans saying that Smith-Neale had left them out of pocket for dartboards and other products they had committed to buy from him.

A statement from the governing body read: “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.

“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.”