Darts referee breaks down in tears as participant consoles him in emotional footage
Darts referee Owen Binks became emotional during his final MODUS Super Series match before his move to the PDC to replace George Noble
Owen Binks refereed his final ever Modus Super Series match
A visibly emotional Owen Binks was comforted by Justin Smith as he oversaw his final MODUS Super Series Live Lounge fixture on Tuesday afternoon. The 27-year-old is poised to replace George Noble at the PDC, following the iconic caller’s decision to retire after the World Darts Championship.
Having presided over more than 6,000 matches for MODUS, Binks stepped up one final time to witness Smith claim a 4-1 victory against Rob Thornton. As the contest drew to a close, the referee appeared visibly emotional as the reality of departing the series permanently began to sink in.
The official MODUS Super Series account posted a video on X showing Binks looking tearful towards the match’s conclusion, with the caption: “Is someone cutting onions?”
The footage also captured Binks attempting to maintain his composure whilst delivering instructions, before Smith offered him a supportive pat on the shoulder. Binks then gave Smith a knowing smile before hugging him.
When proceedings concluded, Thornton also shook Binks’ hand before opening his arms wide for a hug. Earlier that day, MODUS had paid tribute to Binks ahead of his farewell appearance, posting: “WE WISH YOU THE BEST BINKSY!
“Today is the last day that Owen Binks will be a Referee here at the Live Lounge and we wish him every success as he furthers his career on the big stage!”
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The account subsequently posted a montage of Binks’ finest Live Lounge moments, captioning it: “The Man, The Ref, THE LEGEND! We wish Owen Binks all the very best at the PDC and he will be missed dearly by everyone here at the Live Lounge! I’m not crying, you are..”
Binks’ debut PDC assignment will take place at the European Tour in Poland this weekend. Speaking recently about the thrill of the switch, the referee revealed how surreal it still felt.
He told Darts News: “It’s not actually sunk in yet, I don’t think. The fact that I’m going to be calling the action on the main stage has literally always been a dream of mine.
“Even hearing it still hasn’t quite sunk in. It will when I’m up there, that’s for sure. But yeah, it’s mad.”
He also mentioned that Noble had repeatedly suggested he would eventually take over his PDC role, saying: “He’d always say, ‘It’s coming, mate. Don’t worry.’ We sort of knew there were talks for a fair whilst.”
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