VIDEO: Darts play gets into heated altercation with referee after throwing ‘illegal dart’ in defeat

A dramatic moment unfolded at the 2025 Players Championship Finals when Dirk van Duijvenbode engaged in a heated on-stage confrontation with a referee following a controversial “illegal dart” ruling. The incident quickly became the talking point of his match, overshadowing much of the action. (Dartsnews.com)

What Happened

Trailing 5–3 in his match against Madars Razma, Van Duijvenbode momentarily reignited hope after hitting a massive 180 to reduce his remaining score to 107. But when his next visit failed to close out the leg, frustration started to mount. (Dartsnews.com)

In a bid to set up a finish, he switched to double 5 — but his dart missed, landing in the single 5 instead. Visibly irritated, the Dutchman’s third dart on that turn was thrown underhand, a method not typically accepted in match play, which prompted the announcer to call the visit as “15 — last dart doesn’t count.” (Dartsnews.com)

That decision frustrated Van Duijvenbode, who believed his final dart should have counted and changed his remaining score. Instead, he was left on 5, a number that cannot be checked out in a single dart. (Dartsnews.com)

Confrontation on Stage

After the referee’s ruling, Van Duijvenbode walked straight over to the official and gestured strongly, demanding clarification on why his third dart had been wiped from the score. The exchange was intense — his frustration on full display — but ultimately didn’t change the outcome of the match. (Dartsnews.com)

He shook his head in exasperation as he returned to his chair, visibly upset by what he saw as an unfair adjudication. (Dartsnews.com)

Aftermath

Razma didn’t hesitate and cleared the remaining score on his next visit to close out the leg — and the match. (Dartsnews.com)

It’s unclear whether any formal protest or appeal was lodged, but the moment has sparked plenty of buzz among fans and pundits who are questioning the clarity and application of the rules around underhand throws.

Why It Matters

• The incident highlights how precise the rules are in professional darts, and how minor deviations can have major scoring consequences.
• It underscores the tension between players and officials, especially when critical points are at stake.
• For Van Duijvenbode, this was more than just a lost leg — it was a moment of principle, and clearly one that still bothers him.