Stephen Bunting has hit out after revealing 13-year-old son has been a victim of online abuse.
Toby Bunting was in the crowd at Alexandra Palace as his father, the fourth seed, was knocked out in the third round of the World Championship by James Hurrell.
Toby regularly appears at events where his father is playing and features on the darts star’s social media.
Bunting said in a post on X that his family have been hurt by the trolling.
‘Hi guys, sorry I’ve had a few days away from my socials, but I just needed a small bit of time after my game to recover and rest,’ wrote the 40-year-old.
‘I love my family so much and they give me massive motivation to continue this journey. I still believe I have a lot to give darts over the rest of my career and I want to make them forever proud.
‘They see the negative comments and do their best to make sure I don’t see them and even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online which really is hurtful for us as a family.
Stephen Bunting was knocked out of the World Championship in round three
Toby Bunting, 13, regularly appears at tournaments to support his father
‘Toby is one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet and I’ll be doing a lot more social stuff with him this coming year.’
Bunting also thanked fans for the positive messages he has received following his surprise Ally Pally defeat.
He had been widely expected to make it through the semi-finals and face Luke Littler, who beat him at this stage in last year’s tournament.
‘I wanted to come on and say thank you to all the fans and the support which has been very overwhelming from you guys,’ wrote Bunting.
‘Not only in the venue for the Worlds but all over my socials with messages of support and love. You guys really are my inspiration and you help to pick me up whilst I’m down in any situation.
‘You’re a massive reason why I keep trying to give 110% in every aspect of what I do whether that’s playing on the stage or doing any type of my media work.
‘There have been many negative comments but the positive far outweighs them and deafens the noise they try to make.’