Joe Cullen has sparked controversy at the World Darts Championship after launching a furious attack on Mensur Suljovic, accusing his opponent of unsporting behaviour following Cullen’s exit from the tournament.
The outspoken Englishman did not hold back after suffering defeat on the Alexandra Palace stage, openly branding Suljovic a “cheat” and reigniting long-standing debate about pace of play and gamesmanship in professional darts.
Cullen’s Frustration Boils Over
Cullen appeared visibly frustrated during the match, with Suljovic once again employing his famously deliberate style — a method that has divided opinion throughout his career. After the contest, Cullen suggested that the Austrian’s approach crossed a line, claiming it disrupted rhythm and unfairly influenced the outcome.
Speaking bluntly in the aftermath, Cullen said he felt the tactics used against him went beyond mind games and should not be tolerated at the sport’s biggest event.
A Familiar Controversy
Suljovic’s slow, methodical style has long been a talking point on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit. While some defend it as perfectly legal and within the rules, others — Cullen among them — believe it pushes the boundaries of sportsmanship.
The clash at Alexandra Palace has once again brought that argument to the forefront, with fans split over whether the PDC should intervene more forcefully on pace-of-play issues.
Fans and Players React
Reaction online was swift and divided. Some supporters backed Cullen, arguing that deliberate slowing of the game undermines the spectacle and puts opponents at a disadvantage. Others pointed out that Suljovic has competed this way for years and remains within the laws of the game.
Several former players and pundits also weighed in, noting that adapting to different playing styles is part of professional darts — particularly on the World Championship stage.
No Suggestion of Rule Breach
Despite Cullen’s explosive comments, there has been no indication from the PDC or the Darts Regulation Authority that Suljovic breached any regulations during the match. His method, while unpopular with some, is not prohibited under current rules.
That reality has only added to the frustration felt by Cullen and others who believe clearer guidelines are needed to prevent similar disputes in the future.
A Bitter End to Cullen’s Campaign
For Cullen, the defeat — and the fallout that followed — marked a disappointing end to his World Championship run. His post-match comments ensured that attention quickly shifted from the darts themselves to questions about conduct, fairness and whether the sport needs to rethink how it handles extreme variations in playing tempo.
As the tournament continues, Cullen’s outburst has ensured that Suljovic’s style — and the wider issue of what constitutes fair play in darts — will remain firmly in the spotlight.
