Daryl Gurney clashes with Kirk Bevins after Grand Slam defeat as cameras capture tense exchange
Daryl Gurney’s Grand Slam of Darts campaign came to a dramatic end after a fiery on-stage confrontation with referee Kirk Bevins was captured live on camera in Wolverhampton.
The Northern Irish star, returning to the Grand Slam for the first time since 2019, suffered a 5–3 defeat to Karel Sedláček in his second Group E match — a result that confirmed his early exit from the tournament after also losing to Connor Scutt in the opener.
As soon as the final dart landed, attention shifted from the board to the stage floor, where Gurney immediately approached Bevins. Television cameras caught the 38-year-old in an animated discussion with the long-standing PDC official, sparking instant reaction across social media and inside the arena.
Tempers flare on live broadcast
While the audio of the exchange was not broadcast, Gurney’s body language made the tension clear, with fans witnessing a visibly frustrated ‘Superchin’ gesturing emphatically toward the official.
The exact cause of the disagreement remains unclear, with no immediate explanation given by either party. Gurney also opted out of post-match media commitments, leaving the incident open to speculation.
PDC yet to comment publicly
As of now, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has not issued an official statement regarding the clash, and it remains to be seen whether the exchange will result in any formal review or disciplinary action. In televised darts, confrontations with officials are uncommon, and the sport has traditionally upheld a strong culture of respect toward referees.
Frustration after missed opportunity
Gurney entered the Grand Slam keen to make an impact after several seasons away from the event. A former World Grand Prix champion and one-time world No.4, he struggled to find rhythm in the group stage, with his defeat to Sedláček putting an early end to his tournament hopes.
The pressure of the occasion, combined with back-to-back losses, appeared to boil over in those final moments on stage.
What happens next?
With no public comment yet from Gurney, Bevins, or the PDC, attention will now turn to:
- Whether the governing body addresses the incident
- If Gurney offers an explanation or apology
- Any potential impact on future events or officiating relations
While emotions can run high in professional sport, moments like this often spark broader discussion around pressure, frustration, and respect on the big stage.
For now, the lasting image of Gurney’s 2025 Grand Slam return will not be a highlight reel finish — but a flashpoint that has the darts world talking.
