Fart-gate: The Silent But Deadly Scandal

From coughing fits to cheating accusations, darts has seen its fair share of scandals. But one incident that went under the radar was the infamous fart-gate. In 2018, Dutch player Wesley Harms found himself at the center of a stinky controversy when he accused two-time world champ Gary Anderson of breaking wind during their match. Anderson vehemently denied the claims, leading to a hilarious war of words. The incident left a lasting impression on both players and fans alike.

Sexting Shock: Van Gerwen's Hotel Scandal

Even the world number one is not immune to scandal. Michael van Gerwen, who is currently ranked at the top of the darts world, was caught up in a sexting scandal. The married Dutchman was caught exchanging explicit messages with a young mother, inviting her to a hotel. The incident caused a stir in the darts community and put a strain on Van Gerwen's personal life. He later issued a public apology and expressed his regret over the situation.

Breathaliser Fail: Fordham's Battle with Alcohol

Andy "The Viking" Fordham was known for his impressive darts skills, but he was also notorious for his love of alcohol. In 2007, Fordham revealed that he had drunk so much beer before a match that he failed a breathaliser test three days later. His excessive drinking took a toll on his health, leading to severe health issues and even a liver transplant. Fordham has since turned his life around and is an advocate for sobriety in the darts community.

Hotel Affair: Van Barneveld's Shocking Kiss

Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time world champion, shocked hotel guests when he was caught kissing a mystery woman half his age. The incident occurred just hours after a defeat in the Premier League Darts. Van Barneveld, who was married at the time, later confirmed that his marriage was heading for divorce. The scandal made headlines and left fans wondering about the future of the darts icon.

£21k Fine for Rowdy Behavior: Price's Controversial Actions

Gerwyn Price found himself in hot water after displaying childish behavior during a match. The Welshman was fined £21,500 and suspended from darts for three months following an altercation with fellow player Gary Anderson. Price's over-the-top theatrics and aggression on the oche drew criticism from fans and fellow players alike. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship in the world of darts.

Cough Up: Pipe's Controversial Coughing Fit

Justin Pipe faced backlash after he was accused of deliberately coughing to disrupt his opponent's game. The incident occurred during the 2017 World Championship and became known as "cough-gate." Pipe denied the allegations, stating that he would never do anything to put another player off. However, the incident sparked a heated debate about fair play in darts and left fans divided.

Suspicious Bets: Three Players Suspended

In a more recent scandal, three darts players were suspended over suspicious betting activity. Jack Main, Prakash Jiwa, and Andy Jenkins were all suspended pending an investigation into their involvement in suspicious betting on matches. The Darts Regulation Authority took swift action to maintain the integrity of the sport and protect its reputation. The players have the right to appeal their suspensions.

As the Darts World Championship kicks off, fans will be keeping a close eye on the players, hoping for thrilling matches and record-breaking performances. But let's not forget the scandals that have shaped the world of darts, reminding us that even in this competitive sport, controversy can still take center stage.