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A score of 180 in darts is a remarkable feat – but hitting a bullseye after consuming 24 bottles of lager, all while enduring the presence of someone breaking wind nearby, is an even tougher feat.
Nonetheless, ‘fart-gate’ is merely one of several controversies that have plagued the Darts World Championships, which is in progress at Alexandra Palace in London.
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British talent Luke Littler is a strong contender for the Sid Waddell Trophy after narrowly missing out to Luke Humphries in a thrilling final last January.
While fans rally behind the two Lukes at Ally Pally, the prestigious tournament has a tumultuous backstory.
From players caught in compromising situations to outrageous bickering, let’s delve into some of the most astonishing scandals in darts history.
Fart-gate
Among the many unsportsmanlike tactics deployed by darts players over the years, farting is one that often goes unnoticed on broadcasts.
In 2018, Dutch player Wesley Harms found himself at the center of a “fragrant odor” incident that became infamously known as fart-gate.
He was up against two-time world champion Gary Anderson, who easily defeated him 10-2 but later faced allegations of passing gas on the oche.
After the match, Anderson denied the claims, suggesting that it was, in fact, Harms who was responsible for the unpleasant aroma.
He stated: “It certainly came from the table side and it had the scent of rotten eggs, but it wasn’t me. Every time I walked by, there was a whiff of something foul, so I figured it had to be him. If the lad believes I farted, he’s 100 percent mistaken. I swear on my children’s lives, it was not my doing.”
Peter Wright commends the Ally Pally fans for their support during a ‘rubbish’ World Darts Championship performance
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A furious Harms later aired his grievances on Dutch television, expressing: “It’ll take me two nights to clear this smell from my nose. I never expected something like this could happen at the PDC.”
Sexting scandal
In 2015, married darts champion Michael van Gerwen was exposed for trying to set up a hotel tryst with a young mother.
The Dutch sportsman sent suggestive texts to Bradford local Stacey Owen, inviting her to meet him at a hotel.
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This sexting controversy emerged just eight months after Michael married his childhood sweetheart, Daphne.
The former World Champion reportedly spotted Owen in the audience during one of his matches.
In response to the revelations, he stated: “I deeply regret the choice to engage in correspondence with Stacey Owen and to meet her during my time in the UK for the Premier League.”
His statement continued: “I want to emphasize that there has never been any physical relationship between Ms. Owen and me. My primary focus lies with my family and my wife Daphne, to whom I sincerely apologize. I hope that people will now let me concentrate on my darts performance.”
Breathalyzer failure
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Andy “The Viking” Fordham admitted that he was such a heavy drinker during his darts career that he failed a breathalyzer test three days after a match.
This hefty player regularly consumed 24 beers daily while also indulging in brandy from a flask during competitions.
In 2007, he hit rock bottom when he collapsed backstage at the British Darts Organisation World Championships.
He faced severe health complications, including pleurisy, a stroke, and was even placed on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
After recovering and refraining from alcohol, he declared: “It’s common knowledge that I was very close to fatal consequences. Every duel, I felt the urge to consume an enormous quantity – I’m talking about a hip flask full of brandy and the equivalent of more than a case of Holsten Pils. I take no pride in this, but I had a knack for drinking. I believe I’ve finally shown that excessive drinking isn’t necessary to excel in darts, and the younger players today are proving that as well.”
Hotel affair
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Married darts star Raymond van Barneveld surprised hotel guests by being seen kissing a mysterious woman half his age.
The five-time world champion, affectionately known as Barney, seemed smitten as they shared intimate moments shortly after his defeat in Premier League Darts in March 2019.
One astonished hotel guest remarked: “I was there with my girlfriend when we spotted them exiting a lift with their bags, getting ready to check out. At first, I thought she might be his daughter or something. Then I saw him kiss her, and I was taken aback.”
A video captured the tall player, standing at 6ft 2in, bending down for several kisses while grinning widely.
At the time, Van Barneveld was still married to his estranged wife Silvia. A representative later confirmed that their divorce had been in progress prior to the public display of affection.
They explained: “I cannot speak on behalf of Silvia, but they have been navigating the divorce process for several months. They’re handling it privately.”
£21k fine for rowdy behaviour
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In 2019, Gerwyn Price was hit with a £21,500 fine and a three-month suspension from darts due to his childish antics.
The Welshman was warned by referee Russ Bray to temper his behavior amid a heated match against Australia’s Simon Whitlock.
The intense match was marred by disputes between the players and exaggerated theatrics, according to reports.
Later that evening, Price was booed after mounting a comeback from 9-12 down to defeat Gary Anderson, which involved some pushing and shoving.
Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle commented on Price’s demeanor, stating, “It was escalating. It transcended a darts match and became ridiculous in the end. Players shouldn’t be making physical contact, nor pushing each other. Gerwyn Price knows exactly how to push other players’ buttons – that’s a fact.”
Coughing controversy
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Justin Pipe faced severe criticism after he was labeled “despicable” and “disgusting” for allegedly coughing intentionally to interrupt his opponent’s chance during the 2017 World Championship.
The former world No. 27 was caught on camera clearing his throat just before qualifier Bernie Smith attempted to secure a significant first-round victory.
This moment seemed to throw New Zealand player Smith off his rhythm, who subsequently missed a crucial double ten in what became known as ‘cough-gate’.
A Sky Sports commentator insisted: “He cheated, plain and simple. He coughed in hopes Smith would buckle.”
Pipe defended himself, insisting: “I would never do anything to unsettle another player, and Bernie didn’t indicate any issues with me that night. As far as I know, there’s no problem from his viewpoint, and this has been exaggerated.”
Suspicious betting activities
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This year, three darts players have been suspended due to dubious betting activities connected to matches involving Jack Main, Prakash Jiwa, and Andy Jenkins in the Modus Super Series.
The Darts Regulation Authority has temporarily suspended them while investigations are ongoing, and all three players have the right to contest their penalties.
A spokesperson for the DRA commented: “On June 9, 2023, the International Betting Integrity Association flagged suspicious betting behavior during the match between Jack Main and Lisa Ashton amidst the Modus Super Series Event.”
“Following that inquiry, DRA Chairman Nigel Mawer concluded that Jack Main has a case to answer regarding breaches of the DRA Betting Rules.”
“As a result, Main is barred from attending or competing in DRA sanctioned events until this matter is resolved in a hearing or hearings. He retains the right to appeal this suspension.”
“This case will be forwarded to the DRA Disciplinary Committee for a formal hearing to be scheduled in the future.”
“It should be noted that there is no suggestion that Lisa Ashton was involved in any way.”
