Cameron Menzies could face DRA action over European Championship gesture

Cameron Menzies could face disciplinary action after he raised his middle finger towards a television camera during his 10-4 defeat to Gerwyn Price in the second round of the European Championship in Dortmund on Saturday evening.

ITV’s commentators apologised on air after the gesture, SPORTbible reported. It is not yet known whether the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) will open an investigation.

What the rules say about the European Championship gesture

Article 3.14 of the DRA rules states that players must not use offensive language, mouth offensive words or make offensive gestures, Dartsnews reported. The DRA’s rulebook sets out the framework its disciplinary committee applies, and incidents are assessed individually.

Matt Porter, chief executive of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), spoke at the time of a separate Menzies incident at the World Championship. “Any incident of this nature is reported to the Darts Regulation Authority for review,” Porter said, “but our main priority is the player’s health and wellbeing.”

The World Championship incident that preceded it

Menzies lost 3-2 to 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby in the first round of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace. After Manby hit the winning dart, Menzies punched the underside of the stage table several times. His right hand was left bloodied, and he was treated by medics.

He later issued a statement apologising and said he had been dealing with the death of his uncle Gary, Sporting Life reported. Menzies has since said he lost feeling in his fingers and eventually needed surgery on the hand.

What Menzies said in Dortmund

Speaking after his first-round win over Niels Zonneveld at the European Championship, Menzies reflected on the separate World Championship incident, PA reported via The Independent.

He admitted it would probably affect him for the rest of his career. “Unfortunately, it is going to stay with me for the rest of my life,” he said.

He said he wanted to be judged on his darts. “I want a conversation and not to talk about these obstacles,” Menzies said. “I’d like to talk and not be the guy who made the mistakes like (punching) the table.”

He added that he knows he has overstepped the mark before. “I can name a few. I am not proud of it,” he said. “But I’m in a lucky situation to be a darts player. There are kids on the Challenge Tour who will take my place. I am lucky to be here.”

Menzies back in action in Den Bosch

Menzies won Players Championship 29 in Den Bosch on 22 September, beating Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final. He was drawn against Raymond van Barneveld at Wednesday’s Players Championship 31. Read our Players Championship 31 and 32 guide.

Cameron Menzies: your questions answered

What happened to Cameron Menzies at the European Championship?

Menzies lost 10-4 to Gerwyn Price in the second round in Dortmund on Saturday evening and raised his middle finger towards a television camera during the match. It is not yet known whether the DRA will take action.

What did Cameron Menzies do at the World Championship?

After losing 3-2 to Charlie Manby in the first round at Alexandra Palace, Menzies punched the underside of the stage table, injuring his hand. He later apologised and said he had been grieving the death of his uncle.

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