NOPPERT LEFT HEARTBROKEN BY VILE TROLL MESSAGE

DANNY NOPPERT has revealed the heartbreaking reason why a vile message from an online troll hit him harder than most.

World No10 Noppert was dumped out of the European Darts Open after a 6-3 second-round defeat to Sebastian Bialecki.

Noppert, 35, was then targeted with a sickening private DM on Instagram following his loss in Leverkusen.

The user appeared to lash out after losing a bet, writing: "Whis your mom die in cancer and your family too.”

The abuse is the latest example of athletes being targeted on social media by disgruntled gamblers.

Former UK Open champ Noppert responded by explaining the reality players face when results do not go their way.

He replied: “I always strive for the best and always want to win. Unfortunately that doesn’t always work out.

“And sometimes there are those crazy ones who lost money gambling and think they should leave a message.”

The Freeze then explained why the troll's words were especially devastating.

He added: “And unfortunately I have indeed lost my mother to cancer. And that will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

Noppert remains one of the leading names on the PDC circuit and continues to compete at the highest level.

The Dutchman enjoyed a strong start to the season with back-to-back quarter-final runs at the World Masters and UK Open before reaching the final of the German Darts Grand Prix.

Noppert has also won FIVE Players Championship titles since making his debut on the ProTour back in 2018.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning