Suljovic breaks silence after controversial Smith incident at Swiss Darts Trophy

MENSUR SULJOVIC has apologised to Ross Smith and all women following a controversial incident at the Swiss Darts Trophy.

The world No55 sparked backlash on Sunday when he urged the crowd to boo Smith during their third-round clash.

Smith, 37, was throwing for the match when Suljovic waved his arms behind him in a bid to whip up the crowd.

Two-time major winner Smith then missed TWO darts at double 18 to seal the deal before Suljovic returned and fired in double 10 for a 6-5 victory.

Smudger and Suljovic exchanged a frosty handshake at the end of the bout.

The incident was followed by a fiery interview on stage, where Suljovic questioned Smith's reaction before making a sweeping remark about women.

He said: “Ross Smith is one of the best players in the world - what's the bloke complaining about? He's got to play his game; otherwise, he's welcome to go home.

“Women, women - they're always complaining, sorry. Sorry, you don't do that. I fully accept him as one of the very best darts players.

“OK, I've been riling up the crowd a bit, just like in Germany - I need your support. I need you; without you, I can't achieve anything. Thank you, thank you very much!

“What's he complaining about? When I'm in England, everyone's against me; everywhere I go.

“And now, all of a sudden, he's complaining? He might as well just stay at home.”

Suljovic returned to the matter on Monday, admitting he had become caught up in the atmosphere and had not appreciated that Smith was throwing match darts when he tried to rally the spectators.

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.”

The PDC confirmed the matter had been passed to the Darts Regulation Authority, which is responsible for dealing with disciplinary issues in the sport.

Image: Taylor Lanning