Darts star Cullen accuses Suljovic of cheating after World Championship defeat

Joe Cullen has publicly accused Mensur Suljovic of cheating after a tense World Championship second-round defeat, as the stars clashed over pace and style at Alexandra Palace. Cullen lost 3-1 to Suljovic in a match that quickly became a focal point for on-stage friction between the fast, aggressive darts of Cullen and Suljovic’s more measured, methodical approach. The contest generated talk before the final doubles, with the pair’s contrasting tempos contributing to a volatile atmosphere that spilled over into post-match reactions.

During the game on Sunday, tension mounted as Cullen appeared increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as slow play from his Austrian opponent. In moments between throws, Cullen could be seen muttering “hurry up” as Suljovic regrouped. The match had already featured a moment when Suljovic was reprimanded by the referee for taking too long, a development that only fueled the sense that the tempo of the game was under scrutiny. After Cullen missed two darts to force a deciding set, Suljovic celebrated with renewed gusto, and the mood on stage grew palpably charged. The players even shared a frosty embrace after the final point, with Cullen repeatedly shaking his head as he gathered his darts case. He paused at the edge of the stage, appearing to say something to Suljovic as he cast a fierce glance back at his opponent. The commentators described the encounter as a “bizarre contest,” underscoring how quickly the situation spiraled from a tightly contested match into a public dispute about the nature of the sport.

In the hours after the match, Cullen took his anger to social media, posting a fierce message on X in which he urged: “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.” The post reflected a belief among some fans and players that Suljovic’s approach crossed a line in terms of pace and intention, even as others defended it as part of the game’s tactical diversity.

Suljovic, for his part, pushed back with a calm, conciliatory response that sought to frame the incident as misinterpreted by outsiders. “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,” Suljovic said in a post-match line that sought to diffuse the immediate tension while insisting his playing style was genuine and not intentionally designed to disrupt Cullen.

The clash between Cullen and Suljovic arrives at a stage of the World Championship where tempo and psychology are as much a part of the test as accuracy under pressure. Cullen has been known for his rapid pace and aggressive scoring, while Suljovic has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most deliberate players. Their contrast has sparked spotlight moments in the past, but the Sunday match at Alexandra Palace magnified the debate over whether the pace of play should be governed by a universal standard or left as a tactical decision by players who seek to control the rhythm of the game.

The World Championship, held at the iconic London venue, has long been a place where rivalries flare and where fans scrutinize every throw for signs of strategy or theatrics. This year’s event has already featured several high-profile battles, but Cullen’s accusation of cheating marks a rare public crossfire of this intensity in a prestigious match format. While some observers cautioned against jumping to conclusions about intent, others argued that the exchange highlighted a broader conversation about fairness, pace, and sportsmanship that remains unsettled among players, officials, and fans alike.

In response, match officials and fellow competitors have emphasized that the referee’s duty during play is to maintain flow and fairness, while recognizing that different players’ rhythms can create tense moments. For Cullen, the post-match remarks have elevated the incident beyond a single game, underscoring how personal stakes and professional pride can collide on a world stage. For Suljovic, the response suggested an enduring commitment to his own approach, coupled with a respectful acknowledgment of Cullen’s standing as a top contender in the sport.

As the World Championship continues, both players will likely face questions not only about their next matches but also about how the sport should balance tempo, fairness, and the evolving dynamics of professional darts. The incident at Alexandra Palace will be remembered as a flashpoint in a season that has already featured remarkable skill and dramatic finishes, reminding fans that in darts, as in other high-stakes sports, timing and perception can be almost as important as the shot itself.