Joe Cullen left raging after Mensur Suljovic defeat at Ally Pally “It’s CHEATING! That’s not darts.”
Joe Cullen left raging after Mensur Suljovic defeat at Ally Pally “It’s CHEATING! That’s not darts.”
Joe Cullen did not hide his frustration after a controversial second-round defeat to Mensur Suljovic at the PDC World Darts Championship, with the Englishman openly accusing his opponent of unsporting behaviour following a highly charged encounter on the Ally Pally stage.
Cullen made the brighter start, storming through the opening set in dominant fashion and looking firmly in control. However, the momentum quickly shifted as the match wore on. Suljovic levelled the contest by taking the second set despite averaging just 77, while Cullen’s own performance dipped noticeably. By the third set, ‘The Rockstar’ appeared increasingly unsettled, struggling to find any rhythm as the Austrian began to impose himself.
Much of the post-match discussion centred on Suljovic’s pace and on-stage conduct. Known for his methodical approach, ‘The Gentle’ Giant took an especially long time between throws, regularly slowing proceedings to a crawl. His celebrations also became a talking point, with prolonged and frequent reactions after key moments drawing visible irritation from Cullen. At one stage, referee Kirk Bevins was heard speaking to Suljovic, seemingly reminding him to keep celebrations brief.
Joe Cullen left raging after Mensur Suljovic defeat at Ally Pally
Despite the growing tension, Suljovic maintained his approach throughout and edged closer to victory as Cullen battled to stay in the contest. The match was eventually decided when Suljovic pinned double 10 to secure a 3–1 win, after Cullen missed two crucial darts that would have kept his World Championship hopes alive.
Cullen wasted little time in airing his grievances on social media, taking to X shortly after leaving the stage. “If that’s darts, I don’t want no part of it!” he wrote. “Always liked Mensur away from the board but that was plain for all to see! I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way. The old guard will say it’s part of the game but word it how you will – it’s CHEATING! That’s not darts.”
The comments have inevitably divided opinion within the darts community, with some defending Suljovic’s right to play at his own pace, while others sympathised with Cullen’s frustration and questioned whether officials should intervene more firmly in such situations. Slow play has long been a contentious issue in the sport, particularly on the biggest stage where rhythm and momentum can be decisive.
For Suljovic, however, the focus will now be firmly on the next round rather than the fallout. The Austrian progresses into the latter stages of the tournament, where a mouth-watering clash with world number one and reigning champion Luke Littler could await — provided he can first navigate a tricky test against Welshman David Davies.
As for Cullen, his World Championship ends in bitter fashion, leaving behind a result overshadowed by controversy and a debate that is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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