BUNTING BACKLASH HAS GONE TOO FAR

STEPHEN BUNTING’S Premier League and People’s Champion criticism has gone TOO FAR.

‘The Bullet’ lost 6-2 to Michael van Gerwen in his first game of the Weekly invitational tournament at Newcastle. 

World No. 7 Bunting finished bottom of the table last campaign and his selection for this year has been questioned by many.

The St Helens thrower has also been bombarded with unwarranted abuse from online trolls after labelling himself the ‘people’s champion’ at the World Championships.

Bunting stressed the remark was one that had been given to him by leading broadcasters in the sport. 

Darts content creator Charlie Murphy insisted the backlash aimed at Bunting has gone too far and warned it could impact his season. 

He told OLBG: “I think we are both in agreement it’s nothing against Stephen — for me, it’s eighth. 

“Unfortunately, there seems to be an online turn and he is getting a barrage of online abuse, which is not needed. 

“He called himself the ‘People’s Champion’. It is not that bad. It is not a criminal offence. 

“He has had far more abuse than he should have received. It will weigh on him. 

“I feel bad for saying it, but a few nights we have seen his son go and get hate online. He feels like he can’t take his son to the darts. 

“You don’t know what people are thinking. They will want to keep him out of the firing online. I hope he does well.” 

Former pro Matt Edgar echoed those concerns, suggesting Bunting’s emotions could be tested if results do not go his way early on. 

He added: “I agree, we’ve seen Stephen get emotional and struggle at times to keep things in check. 

“I think with the campaign he had last time, if he starts poorly, panic is going to set in. 

“I think it will affect him that he feels people don’t want him in there.” 

Bunting has decided to skip the Players Championship One in Hildesheim on Monday.

Image by Taylor Lanning.