2023 world champion hits out at Mickey Mansell’s slow play before withdrawing from ET2 qualifier
Michael Smith has withdrawn from the European Darts Trophy qualifier and launched a scathing attack on Mickey Mansell in a now-deleted social media post, branding the Northern Irishman a “horrible player” with a “horrible mentality” following their European Tour qualifier clash.
The 2023 world champion lost 6-3 to Mansell in the final round of qualifying for the Poland Open in Hildesheim, Germany on Wednesday, and subsequently pulled out of the afternoon’s qualifier for the European Darts Trophy less than an hour after the defeat.
The Deleted Outburst
Smith took to Facebook to express his anger at Mansell’s play, writing: “Imagine doing that to win a game. Tinkerbell won’t come along and move your darts for you. No need stand looking at the board for 15 seconds. Horrible mentality. And horrible player”.
Smith later added: “His throw doesn’t bother me, it’s the standing looking at his darts for 15 seconds hoping Harry Potter does a spell and moves one of them”.
The post has since been deleted, but not before screenshots circulated widely on social media, sparking debate about slow play in professional darts.
The Match
On Wednesday afternoon, qualifying for the first two events on this year’s European Tour took place in Hildesheim, Germany, as players competed to take part in the Poland Open (February 20-22) and the European Darts Trophy (March 13-15).
It was a positive start to the day for Smith, who looked to be on course for a spot in the inaugural Poland Open after beating Jeffrey Sparidaans and Samuel Price in his opening two games.
Mansell, meanwhile, booked his place in a final round clash against former world champion Smith after receiving a bye in the first round. He also beat Owen Bates and Adam Leek in the second and third rounds.
The pair went head-to-head for a place in this month’s Krakow-based event and after a solid start to the match, Mansell went on to secure a 6-3 win that included a ton-up checkout of 116 in the opening game.
Withdrawal From ET2
The 35-year-old, who has since deleted the post, also decided to withdraw from the qualifier, less than an hour after losing against Mansell. The reason for his withdrawal is currently unknown.
Smith will not play at the European Darts Trophy in Gottingen next month after he decided to withdraw from qualifying following the frosty encounter against Mickey Mansell.
The withdrawal was particularly surprising given Smith had traveled to Germany specifically to compete in both qualifiers and had won his opening matches impressively.
Mansell’s Brilliant Response
The Tyrone native took Smith’s criticism in stride, delivering a perfect response on social media that showcased both confidence and humor.
Mansell wrote on X: “Shoulda been a boxer!! Knocked one man outta 2 tournaments”.
The post, which went viral among darts fans, was widely praised for its wit and perfectly captured Mansell’s achievement—not only beating Smith but effectively knocking him out of both European Tour qualifiers with a single victory.
Smith’s Physical Struggles
Smith’s frustration may have been compounded by ongoing physical issues that make travel particularly difficult for the St Helens native.
Smith has struggled with a number of injuries of late, including arthritis in his throwing hand and persistent issues with his foot and ankle.
Taking to Facebook ahead of the event in Germany this week, Smith highlighted the impact of travelling as he posted numerous pictures of his injuries. “Just want to show what happens now when I travel and what the pressure of the plane does to me,” he wrote. “It’s not sympathy or anything it’s just annoying because I put myself through this to play the sport I love and just infuriates me, I have to deal with tactics like that”.
The post revealed severe swelling in Smith’s legs and feet, illustrating the physical toll that air travel and competitive darts takes on his body given his various medical conditions.
The Slow Play Debate
Smith’s outburst has reignited the perennial debate about slow play in professional darts. As a naturally quick player, “Bully Boy” is particularly susceptible to frustration when facing opponents who take their time between throws.
Being a quick player, Smith of course is more likely to be perturbed about the slow play of someone like Mansell than others.
However, unlike previous slow play controversies—such as Joe Cullen’s accusations against Mensur Suljovic at the World Championship—no referee intervention or official warnings appear to have been issued during Smith’s match with Mansell.
This suggests Mansell’s pace, while deliberate, remained within acceptable boundaries according to PDC rules and the match official’s judgment.
Mixed Reactions
Social media reaction to Smith’s outburst was divided. Some fans sympathized with his frustration, particularly given his physical struggles and the effort required to travel to Germany. Others criticized him for poor sportsmanship and suggested he needs to adapt to different playing styles.
One social media user captured the skepticism, writing: “I don’t understand how so many pros are still losing their head over slow players. You have to deal with it somehow?”
Recent Form
Smith’s loss to Mansell continues a difficult period for the 2023 world champion. He failed to defend his title at Alexandra Palace in January 2026, losing in the quarter-finals, and has struggled to find consistency on the Pro Tour.
The 35-year-old did reach the World Masters semi-finals in early February, losing to eventual champion Luke Littler, but has otherwise endured a frustrating start to the 2026 campaign.
His arthritis and other physical ailments have clearly taken a toll, with Smith now forced to weigh whether the physical cost of travel and competition is worth the strain on his body.
The Verdict
While Smith’s frustration is understandable given his physical struggles and the disappointing nature of the defeat, his public criticism of Mansell crossed a line that most professionals avoid.
The decision to delete the post suggests Smith may have recognized that calling an opponent a “horrible player” was inappropriate, regardless of how frustrated he felt about the pace of play.
For Mansell, the victory and his witty response have elevated his profile considerably. Qualifying for the Poland Open while simultaneously “knocking one man outta 2 tournaments” is an achievement he’ll savor—and one that proves slow and steady can indeed win the race.
As for Smith, the withdrawal from the ET2 qualifier and the deleted social media rant suggest a player at a crossroads, battling both physical limitations and mental frustration as he tries to remain competitive at the highest level of professional darts.
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