Trailblazing darts star Fallon Sherrock, the ‘Queen of the Palace’, has issued an ultimatum to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), threatening to quit the sport permanently if governing bodies fail to take decisive action against the abusers who have plagued her career.
In a dramatic warning, Sherrock has made it clear that her future in the sport is contingent on the PDC holding perpetrators accountable, as the relentless torrent of vile abuse she has faced for years has reached a breaking point.
A History of Horrific Abuse
The ultimatum follows a long history of sexist and violent online attacks. Sherrock, who made history in 2019 as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship, has been a frequent target of trolls. The abuse often intensifies after losses, as seen in 2020 when she received a direct message stating, “You’re so s** you slag. I’d love to stamp on your ugly head*” after an online tournament defeat.
The abuse is not just targeted at her success but has also historically been directed at her appearance, stemming from side effects of medication she takes for a kidney condition, which caused facial swelling. Despite her historic achievements, she continues to face this toxicity, noting that she still receives hate and has had to remove people from her life as a result.
Sherrock has previously stated that this hate fuels her determination, saying, “Every little bit of hate just gees me on to do better”. However, her latest statement suggests the emotional toll of the abuse, combined with her ongoing health battles—her kidneys are currently functioning at only 23% capacity—may be forcing her to reconsider her entire career.
The Ripple Effect of Abuse
The impact of the abuse extends beyond Sherrock herself. Ted Evetts, the man she defeated in that historic 2019 victory, revealed he received “well over 1,000 messages of pure hate” following his loss, with some messages targeting his family. This culture of toxicity highlights the wider issue within the sport that Sherrock is calling on the PDC to address.
A Stand for Change
Sherrock’s threat to quit is a powerful stance demanding accountability. She has criticized the “keyboard warriors” who hide behind screens and has called for a crackdown on the perpetrators who make the sport a hostile environment. She is currently preparing for the Women’s World Matchplay, but her position is clear: without tangible action against her abusers by the PDC, the sport risks losing one of its most significant figures.