LONDON – Veteran darts star Mervyn King was seen visibly distressed and in tears outside a PDC disciplinary hearing today, following the official confirmation of a stringent three-year ban from the sport’s premier circuit. The sanction stems from a “lewd and offensive” gesture made during a live-streamed European Tour event last month, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the darts community and likely marks a devastating end to the 58-year-old’s top-flight career.
The incident, which occurred during King’s first-round match, was captured on the broadcast feed and swiftly circulated on social media. The PDC’s integrity unit launched an immediate investigation. While the precise nature of the gesture has not been officially detailed in the PDC’s statement, insiders confirm it was deemed a “serious breach of the PDC’s rules and standards of professional conduct.”
A Career in Jeopardy
Witnesses outside the PDC headquarters described an emotional scene. “He looked utterly broken,” said one onlooker. “He walked out, head down, and just stopped by his car. He wiped his eyes several times. It was clear he’d been crying and was struggling to compose himself. It was a far cry from the tough competitor we see on the oche.”
The three-year ban is one of the longest non-gambling-related suspensions in modern PDC history. For King, a two-time world championship semi-finalist and a mainstay of the professional tour for over two decades, the punishment is effectively a career-ender. At 58, returning to the pinnacle of the sport after such a lengthy hiatus would be a monumental challenge.
The PDC’s Stance
The PDC’s published statement was unambiguous: “Following a full investigation and disciplinary hearing, the PDC has suspended Mervyn King from all tour events for a period of three years, effective immediately. The suspension relates to a lewd and offensive gesture made during a televised match, which is wholly unacceptable and brings the sport into disrepute. The PDC maintains the highest standards of professionalism and will not tolerate such conduct.”
The governing body has faced pressure in recent years to take a stronger stance on player conduct, especially with the sport’s profile higher than ever. This decision is being viewed as a stark message to the entire tour.
Mixed Reactions from the Darts World
Reaction within the sport has been divided. Some fellow professionals have expressed sympathy for King, noting his previously clean disciplinary record and suggesting the punishment is overly harsh for a moment of poor judgement. Others, however, support the PDC’s firm line.
“Darts is a family-friendly sport with millions watching at home, including kids,” said a current top-16 player, speaking anonymously. “You can’t have that. It’s sad for Merv, but the rules are the rules.”
Fans online have debated the severity of the ban, with many agreeing the gesture was unacceptable but questioning whether a shorter suspension paired with a heavy fine and mandatory sensitivity training might have been more appropriate.
What Next for The King?
With his PDC tour card revoked, King is banned from all PDC-sanctioned events, including the World Championship, Premier League, and all tour tournaments. He may be eligible to compete in some non-PDC affiliated events, but these offer a fraction of the prestige and prize money.
For Mervyn King, a player known for his fiery “Let’s Go!” battle cry and passionate performances, today’s tears likely signal the abrupt and painful conclusion of a long and distinguished career at the very top of world darts. The legacy of “The King” will now be forever shadowed by the gesture that brought his reign to a crashing halt.