By now, most darts fans will have seen the images of Cameron Menzies losing his composure, striking a table with his hand after a painful defeat. While his anger was clearly directed at the loss itself, there was more to the incident than initially met the eye—specifically, a controversial moment involving the referee at a crucial stage of the match.
To be clear from the outset: no one condones the Scot’s behavior. Menzies himself has since issued an apology for his actions. Nevertheless, the incident has prompted unexpected support from some fans, who believe they noticed something significant in the moments leading up to his outburst.
This moment should not happen to a professional darts player
Just before the flashpoint, the referee disallowed one of Menzies’ darts. As a result, he did not finish the leg but was left with a score of three. Such decisions are not uncommon, particularly under referee Kirk Bevins, and usually occur when a dart is thrown underarm or when a player has already begun to step off the oche. However, many viewers are convinced that this particular dart was incorrectly ruled out.
According to several observers, Menzies’ throw did not fall into either of the usual categories that warrant disqualification. His frustration was visibly apparent immediately after the decision, as shown in the footage circulating online. This appeared to be the catalyst for the first signs of his anger: he moved to strike the table and seemed on the verge of throwing his dart case toward the crowd.
Again, his conduct is widely condemned. Yet if the initial trigger for his rage stemmed from a questionable refereeing decision, that aspect of the incident is, at the very least, noteworthy.
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The episode has also reignited a broader discussion about consistency among referees. It is widely acknowledged that some officials apply the rules more strictly than others—an inconsistency that many believe should not exist at the highest level of the sport. This raises an important question: did Kirk Bevins make the correct call in this instance, or would other referees have allowed the dart to stand?
Social media users have been quick to weigh in, with some jokingly suggesting that Bevins should officiate Michael Smith’s matches at the World Championship. “Bully Boy” is known for already stepping forward on the oche while throwing his third dart, leading fans to question what, if any, difference there is between Smith’s routine and Menzies’ disallowed throw in this match.
Ultimately, the Menzies incident has become about more than one player’s loss of control. It has highlighted an ongoing debate within darts: where exactly should the line be drawn, and can the sport afford such subjective interpretation of its rules at the biggest tournaments?