Former world champ insists Suljovic should be fined over controversial Swiss Darts Trophy incident

MENSUR SULJOVIC should be fined for his controversial crowd antics against Ross Smith, according to Mark Webster.

The Austrian found himself at the centre of a storm at the Swiss Darts Trophy after attempting to turn the crowd against Smith during a crucial moment in their third-round showdown.

Smith, 37, was on the verge of victory when Suljovic waved his arms to encourage the spectators to get louder while his opponent was throwing at match darts.

The Dover ace missed TWO attempts at double 18 to win the match, allowing Suljovic to return to the oche and land double 10 for a dramatic 6-5 comeback win.

Suljovic later issued an apology to Smith, admitting he had been swept up in the occasion and had not properly registered that his rival was throwing for the match.

He wrote on Instagram: “I would like to comment once again on my game against Ross Smith and the subsequent interview.

“The emotions took me a lot at that moment. I wanted to get the audience behind me and didn't really realise that Ross was just throwing at his match darts. In retrospect, I understand that the timing was unfortunate and was perceived as unfair. I would like to apologise to Ross for this.

“Ross is for me one of the best players in the world and I have a great respect for him and his performance.

“My statement in the interview about women was also completely inappropriate. I should never have said that. I would like to apologise to all women for this.

“Darts thrive on emotions - but fairness and respect are just as much a part of it. Yesterday, the emotions overtook me a bit.

“Sorry about that.”

But former BDO world champ Webster believes Suljovic crossed the line by trying to influence the spectators while Smith was attempting to close out the contest.

He said prior to the apology: He said: “Obviously with regards to the weekend, it was poor form for Mensur Suljovic.

“I think every player can use the crowd to their advantage, but there's a time to do it, isn't there?

“It's not while the player's throwing, particularly not on match darts.

“Fair play to Ross, he came out and said he didn't even see it and it didn't put him off, he still should have won the game.

“Mensur kind of doubled down on it as well. Like I said, get the crowd involved, players do it, it's part of the game now, but not on match darts and geeing them up when he's on match darts.

“He has used tactics in the past, hasn't he, in terms of slowing players down.

“That's fine, it's not against the rules, but sort of egging on the crowd when Ross on match darts wasn't good.

“I'm sure the DRA will get involved now, it's not good sportsmanship, is it? Rightly so, he should get fined.

“As long as he recognises that he's done wrong, he hasn't at the minute, but when he recognises that he's done wrong, it's the timing of it, isn't it, that's the poorest.

“I'm sure he'll realise and a fine will come his way. He should learn from it and he should never do it again, not on match darts.”

The PDC has referred the incident to the Darts Regulation Authority, which handles disciplinary matters in the sport.

Image: Taylor Lanning