Cameron Menzies issues public apology following World Darts Championship exit
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, reports BritPanorama.
The 36-year-old was defeated 3–2 by 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby in an early upset at Alexandra Palace. Menzies had initially led the match 2–1 before the momentum shifted, but it was his actions post-defeat that drew considerable attention.
As Manby celebrated his victory, Menzies reacted by repeatedly punching the table on stage. The aggressive display resulted in a deep gash on his right hand, with blood visible as officials intervened. Referee Kirk Bevins subsequently instructed Menzies to leave the stage, raising the prospect of disciplinary action.
In his post-match press conference, Menzies expressed remorse for his conduct. “First of all, I would like to apologise for what happened,” he stated. “I am sorry that I reacted in the manner that I did. 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.”
Reflecting on his personal circumstances, Menzies mentioned the recent passing of his uncle Gary, with whom he had spent time shortly before his death. He also noted that had he won, his second match would have coincided with his uncle’s funeral, adding another layer of emotional strain.
Menzies reiterated his apology, emphasising that his reaction was not how he wished to be perceived. “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,” he remarked.
This loss marks Menzies’ second consecutive first-round exit at the World Championship, a tournament where he also faced disappointment the previous year. That occasion ended in tears after a defeat to American Leonard Gates, illustrating a challenging trajectory for the Scotsman.
As for the implications of his actions, Menzies could face a substantial fine or even a ban from future competitions. The incident unfolded in a tense atmosphere, with the crowd vocally supporting Manby and rallying chants against Menzies as the match slipped away.
For Manby, this victory was a significant moment in his emerging career. The Yorkshireman, known as ‘Champagne Charlie’, expressed pride in the support he received from the crowd. “It was absolutely amazing,” he said, acknowledging that the achievement was shared with his supporters.
Amid the drama and controversy, Menzies’ situation serves as a stark reminder of the mental pressures athletes endure in high-stakes environments, where personal challenges often intersect with professional aspirations, revealing the human side of competitive sport.
