News filtered through last night that two-time World Darts champion Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis has been “indefinitely suspended” by the Darts Regulation Authority following a furious row with a fellow player.
Lewis, who won back-to-back world titles in 2011 and 2012, was taking on Jose Justicia at UK Open Qualifiers in Wigan when they clashed after the Spaniard’s throw in the eighth leg. Lewis seemed to feel there was some gamesmanship going on and confronts the Justicia saying “you’re trying to p**s me off, I’m telling you”.
It wasn’t finished there as the pair went at it again after Jackpot hit a double seven to take the match 6-5. This time though, Lewis clearly stepped over the line for darts officials and can be seen pushing his opponent before security officials rushed in to prevent the row going any further.
— Luke Beaumont (@_LukeBeaumont) February 2, 2018
The Darts Regulation Authority acted swiftly and released a statement last night saying that Lewis has been suspended with “immediate effect” following the incident.
The statement read: “Following a review of the incidents which occurred in his match with Jose Justicia at Friday’s UK Open qualifier, the Darts Regulation Authority has suspended Adrian Lewis with immediate effect pending a full investigation in to the matter. The player has the right of appeal.”
Lewis is yet to publicly respond to his suspension. However, after a poor 2017 on the oche, an early exit from the World Championship and a being snubbed for a Premier League place, this is the last thing one of the game’s most naturally talented players needed to happen. You can watch the full incident for yourself below: