Joe Cullen and Mensur Suljovic confrontation erupts after ‘dishonest’ accusation
Joe Cullen’s World Darts Championship was brought to an end by veteran Mensur Suljovic, but he still had some verbal darts to launch at the Austrian
Joe Cullen has launched a bitter social media attack on Mensur Suljovic, accusing the wiry darts veteran of ‘cheating’.
Cullen suffered defeat at the hands of the Austrian in a heated second-round World Darts Championship encounter. Suljovic mounted an impressive comeback from a set behind to triumph 3-1 over the Englishman in their Ally Pally showdown.
During the match, Cullen was spotted mockingly checking his timepiece and also murmuring ‘hurry up’ to himself while the 53-year-old took his turn at the oche. Suljovic takes more time than most players on the tour, but ‘the Rockstar’ grew frustrated with his opponent’s slow pace and lengthy celebrations on the oche.
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The PDC World Darts Championship gets underway on December 11 and fans can watch every match exclusively live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.
During their post-match handshake, Cullen delivered some heated words to Suljovic, who simply chuckled in response. As Cullen departed the stage, he halted mid-stride, spun around and fixed Suljovic with an icy glare whilst the veteran celebrated with spectators.
Cullen didn’t mince his words in his furious social media blast. He wrote: “If that’s darts, I don’t want no part of it! Always liked Mensur away from the board but that was plain for all to see!
“I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way. The old guard will say it’s part of the game but word it how you will – it’s CHEATING! That’s not darts.”
When questioned about Cullen’s furious response and whether he had offered an apology for his leisurely approach during his post-match media duties, a puzzled Suljovic responded: “Never have I ever said sorry to Joe Cullen in person. I play on that stage, what’s his problem?
“I say sorry, maybe, to the referee maybe, but for Joe Cullen? Never. ‘You play this, you play this’ everybody plays different. I wait maybe 40 seconds before first dart.
“Some guys (gestures throwing motion) and my head (gestures almost being hit in the head by a dart). This is not okay.”
When questioned about the incident once more, Suljovic responded: “I don’t know what his problem is. What is the problem? I gave him missed doubles and everything?
“I’m never doing darts not correct. Maybe I am (gestures a celebration) my face or ‘come on’ too much. I like Joe Cullen. He is a very nice guy, but..”
In the following round, Suljovic is set to face reigning world champion Luke Littler provided the 18-year-old gets past darts ace and NHS area manager David Davies. Littler is scheduled to compete during the evening session on December 21.
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