Tensions boiled over at the PDC World Darts Championship as Joe Cullen launched a furious accusation of cheating against opponent Mensur Suljovic following their second-round match at London's Alexandra Palace.
The 'Cheating' Accusation and Slow Play Controversy
Joe Cullen did not hold back in his criticism of Mensur Suljovic's tactics after the Austrian secured a 3-1 victory on Sunday 21 December 2025. The core of the dispute centred on Suljovic's notoriously deliberate pace of play, which Cullen claimed crossed a line. The frustration was compounded when Suljovic hit the winning double and immediately ran to celebrate with his team, leaving Cullen waiting for the customary post-match handshake.
Taking to social media platform X, the Englishman vented his anger. "If that's darts, I don't want no part of it!" Cullen wrote. He added, "Always liked Mensur away from the board but that was plain for all to see... The old guard will say it's part of the game but word it how you will – it's CHEATING! That's not darts."
Suljovic's Response and Other Match Results
In response, Suljovic expressed bewilderment at the accusation. "I don't know, what's his problem?" he said. "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." Despite the controversy, Suljovic progresses to face the formidable teenage sensation Luke Littler in the next round.
Elsewhere on the day's schedule, 2018 champion Rob Cross secured his place in the third round with a 3-1 win over Ian White. Krzysztof Ratajski also advanced with a 3-1 victory against Ryan Joyce, while Luke Woodhouse enjoyed a straightforward 3-0 success over Max Hopp.
Tournament Overshadowed by Doping Scandal
The championship was further rocked by news that player Dom Taylor had been removed from the competition after failing a random anti-doping test. The 27-year-old, who had beaten Oskar Lukasiak in the first round, issued a public apology on Facebook. He confessed to lying in a post-match interview about completing a required course following a previous suspension in January for a failed test at the end of 2024.
Taylor cited a troubled personal life, including the anniversary of his daughter's death, as contributing factors. His case is now pending a disciplinary hearing with the Darts Regulation Authority.
