Darts star Joe Cullen has hit out at Mensur Suljovic and remarkably accused the Austrian of cheating after being defeated by him at the World Championship.
Cullen went down 3-1 to Suljovic in the second round of the tournament at Alexandra Palace in a match that was full of drama.
The pair’s style of darts have clashed in the past, with Cullen’s faster approach contrasting sharply with Suljovic’s slower, methodical method.
And during their game on Sunday, tensions rose throughout, with Cullen becoming increasingly fed up with his opponent’s perceived slow play.
At one point, he could be seen to mutter ‘hurry up’ as Suljovic composed himself between throws, and things came to a head at the end of the match.
After Cullen missed two darts to force a deciding set, Suljovic – who appeared to be reprimanded by the referee at one point of the game for taking too long – celebrated wildly.
Joe Cullen has hit out at Mensur Suljovic and remarkably accused the Austrian of cheating
Cullen was beaten 3-1 by Suljovic after becoming furious at his perceived slow play on Sunday
He then engaged in a rather frosty embrace with Cullen, who was repeatedly shaking his head as he picked up his darts case.
The Englishman furiously stormed off, but stopped just as he was about to leave the stage, and appeared to say something to Suljovic after staring fiercely at him.
The commentators labelled the encounter a ‘bizarre contest’, and Cullen wasn’t done there, as he unleashed a furious tirade on X.
‘If that’s darts, I don’t want no part of it!,’ fumed Cullen. ‘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.’
Speaking after the game, Suljovic defended himself and the accusations of slow play as he said: ‘I don’t know, what’s his problem?
‘I give him missed doubles, everything. I like Joe Cullen, a very nice guy.
‘I never ever play slow. I do it only for my game. I’m never doing this for him. Sorry Joe, never do this. I love him man.’