Darts star shoves his opponent after tense trade on the oche as issues flip ugly

The Lakeside World Darts Championship exploded into life with a furious on-stage altercation.

The bust-up occurred following the last-32 match between Jarno Bottenberg and Ryan Hogarth. After Bottenberg hit the winning double to win 3-1, he went to shake Hogarth’s hand, as is customary.

However, Scotsman Hogarth wasn’t having any of it at first. He initially refused to offer his hand and instead aimed some choice words at his Dutch opponent. The pair eventually shook hands, but the row rumbled on. As Bottenberg thanked the officials, Hogarth continued his tirade and even shoved his foe as he made his way off the stage.

Meanwhile, the commentator said: “He [Hogarth] is not happy, he believes there was some encroachment along the way. The session ends with needle on stage. Hogarth furious.”

Fans slammed Hogarth’s antics, with one saying: “No need to be pushing or even touching your opponent other than to shake hands.” Another called for Hogarth to be punished by the authorities, saying: “Clear push. Action needs to be taken against Hogarth.”

A third weighed in: “Poor from Hogarth there. I get he must’ve been frustrated from being 1 up and then losing but shouldn’t be shoving your opponent after the match.” Another demanded: “Fine him, absolute melt. No need to put his hands on someone bad loser.”

Bottenberg will face tournament favourite Jimmy Van Schie or Bjorn Lejon in the last 16. In the women’s section, Beau Greaves, who has opted to defend her Lakeside title rather than compete at the PDC World Championship, began her campaign with a straight-sets victory over Kirsi Viinikainen.

Greaves, 20, who topped the PDC Women’s Series, had to choose as players aren’t permitted to play in both World Championships. The winner of the men’s tournament will pocket £50,000, with the runner-up collecting £16,000. The women’s section carries a top prize of £25,000, with £8,000 going to the losing finalist.