Mensur Suljovic apologises as Swiss Darts Trophy incidents referred to regulator

Mensur Suljovic has apologised to Ross Smith and to women after his conduct at the Swiss Darts Trophy was referred to the Darts Regulation Authority.

The referral covers his actions during Sunday’s match against Smith and alleged sexist remarks in a subsequent on-stage interview.

According to Sky Sports, the PDC confirmed both matters had been passed to the regulator and declined further comment.

Mensur Suljovic apologises after Ross Smith match

Suljovic beat Smith 6-5 in Basel after the Englishman missed two match darts in the deciding leg.

The Austrian had gestured for more noise from the crowd while Smith was throwing. Smith subsequently criticised his opponent’s behaviour, while accepting responsibility for his missed opportunities.

In an Instagram statement on Monday, reported by DartsNews, Suljovic said emotion had affected his judgement and apologised to Smith.

He also addressed his interview remarks.

“My comment about women during the interview was also completely inappropriate,” he said.

Suljovic said he regretted those comments and offered an apology to women.

Clayton takes title in Basel

Suljovic went on to reach the semi-finals, where Luke Humphries beat him 7-4.

Jonny Clayton won the Swiss Darts Trophy with an 8-4 victory over Humphries in the final, collecting the £35,000 winner’s prize and securing his Grand Slam place.

The tournament was the penultimate European Tour event of the season, with the Dutch Darts Championship next.