Professional darts player Stephen Bunting has spoken out against online trolls after revealing his 13-year-old son has been subjected to hateful comments. The incident follows Bunting's surprise third-round exit from the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Family Hurt by Negative Comments After Ally Pally Defeat
The 40-year-old darts star, who was the fourth seed in the tournament, took to social media platform X to explain a brief absence from his accounts. He stated he needed time to recover after being knocked out by James Hurrell. Bunting's son, Toby, was in the crowd at Alexandra Palace supporting his father, as he regularly does at events.
Bunting expressed how much his family motivates him, but admitted the negative comments directed at them, including his teenage son, have been deeply hurtful. He described Toby as "one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet" and revealed plans to do more social media content with him in the coming year.
Overwhelming Fan Support Deafens the Trolls
Despite the abuse, Bunting was keen to thank the vast majority of fans for their positive messages. He described the support following his defeat as "very overwhelming", both from spectators at the venue and across his social media channels.
"You guys really are my inspiration and you help to pick me up whilst I'm down in any situation," Bunting wrote. He credited his supporters as a major reason he continues to give "110%" in all aspects of his career, from playing on stage to media work.
The darts professional made a powerful statement about the balance of comments, asserting that while there have been many negative remarks, the positive messages "far outweigh them and deafen the noise they try to make."
A Call for Positivity in the Sporting World
Bunting's unexpected exit was a shock to many, as he had been widely tipped to progress to the semi-finals for a potential rematch with teenage sensation Luke Littler, who beat him at the same stage last year. The disappointment of the sporting loss was compounded by the personal attack on his family.
This incident highlights the darker side of sports fandom and the impact online abuse can have on the families of public figures. Bunting's decision to speak out underscores a growing need for greater respect and positivity in interactions with athletes and their loved ones, especially on social media platforms.
