Cameron Menzies has issued a public apology after a furious on-stage outburst overshadowed a shock first-round exit from the World Darts Championship, with the Scot revealing he had been struggling with a recent family bereavement.
The 36-year-old was beaten 3–2 by 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby in one of the tournament’s early upsets at Alexandra Palace.
Menzies had led 2–1 before the match slipped away, but it was the aftermath rather than the result that provided the headlines.
As Manby celebrated victory, Menzies repeatedly punched the table on stage, striking it with three uppercuts that left a deep gash on his right hand, blood clearly visible as officials intervened.
Referee Kirk Bevins instructed Menzies to leave the stage, and the incident immediately raised the prospect of disciplinary action.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Menzies apologised for the incident and attempted to explain the emotional strain that had boiled over.
“First of all, I would like to apologise for what happened,” Menzies said.
“I am sorry that I reacted in the manner that I did.
Five facts darts fans might not know | PA/GBNEWS"It’s not an excuse, but I have had a lot of things on my mind recently and I suppose it all just became too much at the end.
“It has not been an easy time for me with my uncle Gary passing away recently. I saw him four days before he died and he gave me a look which told how much he thought of me.”
Menzies added that the timing of the tournament had weighed heavily.
“Had I won the game against Charlie, my second match would have been on the day of Gary’s funeral and that hasn’t been lost on me,” Menzies added.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- England star suffers punctured lung and broken rib after being forced off the pitch following nasty collision
- Adam Peaty’s mum shares cryptic posts and makes demands ahead of Holly Ramsay wedding as family feud rages on
- John Terry makes feelings clear on Rio Ferdinand reconciliation 14 years on from racism row
Cameron Menzies sported a bloodied hand following his exit from the World Darts Championship
|GETTY
“Let me say again, that’s no excuse for what I did on the stage. It was the wrong thing to do and I don’t want it to take anything away from Charlie. He played well.
“This is not how I would like people to view me. Yes I can get emotional at times, but not like that and that wasn’t right.”
The defeat continued a difficult run for Menzies at the World Championship, marking a second consecutive first-round exit.
Twelve months ago, defeat by American Leonard Gates prompted tears late in the contest as his hopes of glory went up in smoke.
This latest episode may carry more serious consequences. Menzies, based in Milton Keynes and formerly a plumber by trade, now faces the likelihood of a substantial fine and the possibility of a ban.
The incident came amid a tense atmosphere, with the crowd firmly backing Manby and taunting Menzies with chants of “Scotland get battered everywhere they go” as the final leg slipped away, with Menzies stranded on a score of three.
For Manby, the controversy did little to dull the significance of the moment.
Cameron Menzies hailed his young opponent following his elimination from the World Darts Championship
|GETTY
The Yorkshireman, a Development Tour standout and bricklayer by profession, progressed to round two after the biggest win of a young career.
Nicknamed Champagne Charlie, Manby spoke with pride about the support behind him.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Manby said.
“It’s not just me who has been up there today. It has been all them lot there, who have been with me. I can’t thank them enough. A lot behind the scenes has come from them.
“When I won the first set, I settled a lot. It was a good feeling going in and being settled on a stage where I have never played before. I tried to keep calm, go up there and get it over and done with. It’s not as easy it looks.
“This is 100 per cent hands down the greatest thing I have ever done in darts.”