TEARFUL BUNTING OPENS UP ON ONLINE ABUSE

STEPHEN BUNTING broke down in tears after opening up on the social-media backlash he has faced over calling himself the “people’s champion”.

‘The Bullet’ was widely targeted online after making the comment earlier in the tournament.

However, the Liverpudlian kept his focus and booked his place in round three of the World Championship with a comfortable 3–0 victory over Nitin Kumar.

Bunting admitted the criticism off the oche has been tough to handle, stressing the remark was taken out of context and was never meant as a self-proclaimed title.

He said: “I have had some stick over social media. I made a comment in the media saying I was the people’s champion.

“That was literally a comment from what Sky have said and what the PDC have said.

“It was not me saying I am the people’s champion. I was just talking about what was said.

“I have had a lot of stick over that. Listen, I am not the people’s champion. I turn up and I try my best to win any game.

“I will give 100 per cent. The fans have been unbelievable. The support on TikTok and Instagram — I’ve hit over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.

“So, I feel the presence and the support online. But sometimes you can look too much on social media and there has been quite a few negatives.

“I’ve had quite a few emails as well but I need to rise above that.”

World No4 Bunting insisted the reaction inside Alexandra Palace paints a very different picture to the abuse he has seen on the web.

He added: “People online are fickle. There’s a lot of negative report.

“You’ve seen the crowd out there tonight — they are proper darts fans.

“They know what I am about. I like to give back to my fans and if they see me in Tesco or the pub, I will always give time to the fans.

“They are so important. I will stand by it — I still think I have the biggest fanbase in darts.

“When you’re stood on that stage it’s a lonely place.

“If things don’t go right you can look at your family, management, sponsors — but it’s down to you.

“I’m getting a bit emotional.”

Bunting also revealed he has been battling illness during the tournament.

He continued: “What people don’t realise is I’ve not been well.

“You can hear in my voice I have a cough.

“I was full of flu in the first game but I found a way to get past that. Hopefully next time I come through I get rid of this cough and I come through.”

Bunting returns to action on December 27 and will take on James Hurrell in round three of the Worlds.

Image by Taylor Lanning.