Darts star Joe Cullen accuses opponent of 'cheating' in rant after being knocked out of World Championship
Tensions grew high during Sunday's clash between the pair
Darts star Joe Cullen has accused his opponent Mensur Suljovic of "cheating" after the Austrian knocked him out of the World Championships.
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Cullen was beaten 3-1 in sets by 53-year-old Suljovic during Sunday's second round action at the Alexander Palace in a match overshadowed by drama due to the slow nature of play.
Writing on X afterwards, Cullen said: "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.
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"The old guard will say it’s part of the game but word it how you will - it’s CHEATING! That's not darts."
Despite losing the first set, the Austrian Suljovic rattled off the next three to reach the winning line, which prompted Cullen to launch a rant on social media about his opponent's slow play.
Cullen, 36, who was ranked higher than his opponent going into the game as the 32 seed, could be seen growing increasingly annoyed on stage.
At one point, he could be seen to mutter "hurry up" as Suljovic composed himself between throws, and things came to a head at the end of the match.
If that’s darts , I don’t want no part of it!
— J O E C U L L E N (@rockstar_13_) December 21, 2025
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 😓
After the defeat, the Englishman could be seen to stop in his tracks and fiercely stared at Suljovic who was celebrating on stage.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Suljovic said he "loved" Joe but defended his own actions.
He said: "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, who has never got passed the last 16 at the Worlds, is likely to play Luke Littler next with the defending champion in action against David Davies on Sunday evening.