The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace has been rocked by a fiery post-match row that spilled over into sharp commentary from experts, as former player and pundit Glen Durrant urged Joe Cullen to “put the phone down” following his explosive accusations against Mensur Suljovic.
The second-round clash on December 21, 2025, saw England’s 32nd seed Joe Cullen, the flamboyant “Rockstar,” crash out 3-1 to the veteran Austrian Suljovic. Cullen stormed to the first set, showcasing his heavy scoring, but Suljovic’s resilience turned the tide. The 53-year-old, nicknamed “The Gentle,” won the next three sets, including a comeback from 2-1 down in the fourth, despite a lower average and poorer checkout success. His victory sets up a potential third-round blockbuster against defending champion Luke Littler, should the teenage sensation advance.
Tensions simmered throughout the low-quality encounter, with Cullen visibly frustrated by Suljovic’s deliberate pace—extended pauses before throws, lingering celebrations, and slow dart retrieval. Referee Kirk Bevins even intervened at one point, addressing Suljovic over prolonged post-leg antics. The Englishman was caught mouthing complaints and gesturing impatiently, while the raucous Ally Pally crowd amplified the drama.
The eruption came after the final dart. During the handshake, Cullen leaned in with heated words, met by Suljovic’s bemused smile. As the Austrian soaked up applause, Cullen paused on his exit, turning for a prolonged glare that captured the raw emotion in front of thousands.
Cullen then took to social media with a blistering rant: “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.”
Pundits dissected the fallout live, with three-time Lakeside champion Glen Durrant delivering a pointed critique. He acknowledged the clash of styles, saying: “You talk about clash of styles, you talk about drama. Joe Cullen saved it all to the end. He didn’t appreciate what was going on, but that’s what you get when you play Mensur Suljovic.” Durrant emphasized that Suljovic stayed within rules, using gamesmanship effectively, but stressed Cullen’s own shortcomings: “The referees spoke to Mensur during it, over an issue, dealt with that perfectly well. The bottom line is Joe Cullen had three set darts in that third set. He was winning sets with a 79 average – that should be upsetting Joe Cullen more than what – at times – he’s labelled the gamesmanship side of it.”
In a particularly blunt remark aimed at Cullen’s immediate social media outburst, Durrant advised him to “put the phone down,” suggesting the heated post was impulsive and perhaps misplaced focus from his missed opportunities.
Fellow commentator Dan Dawson added fuel, noting how Suljovic had psychologically dominated: “Mensur has broken Joe Cullen’s brain in that one. He couldn’t stop Mensur at the end.”
Suljovic, unfazed in his post-match reflections, denied any intent to provoke: “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.” He explained his routine: “I wait maybe 40 seconds before first dart, but some guys [gestures throwing motion] and my head [gestures almost being hit]. This is not okay.” Firmly, he added: “Never have I ever said sorry to Joe Cullen in person. I play on that stage, what’s his problem? I say sorry, maybe, to the referee maybe, but for Joe Cullen? Never.”
This incident revives ongoing debates in darts about pace of play. While there’s no strict shot clock in PDC events, deliberate disruption can be penalized as unsportsmanlike. Suljovic’s style has long divided opinion, aiding him against faster players but drawing accusations over the years.
For Cullen, the defeat compounds a tough season, with his fiery response splitting fans—some seeing sour grapes, others valid frustration. Pundits like Durrant urge self-reflection, highlighting missed doubles and low averages as the true culprits.
As the championship intensifies toward the holidays, this row adds layers of intrigue. Suljovic’s calm mastery versus youthful firepower could make his next match must-watch, while the sport grapples with its psychological edges. Alexandra Palace continues to serve up not just arrows, but unscripted human theater that keeps darts thrillingly unpredictable.
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