Professional darts player Mensur Suljovic has been issued an 18-month suspended ban from the sport following an investigation into sexist comments made toward women, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) confirmed on Tuesday.
The 52-year-old Austrian, a former World Matchplay champion and long-standing fixture on the PDC circuit, was found to have breached the DRA’s disciplinary code with remarks that were described by the governing body as “discriminatory and derogatory in nature.”
According to the DRA’s statement, the comments were made during a private conversation that later came to light through a formal complaint. The authority said its disciplinary committee determined that Suljovic’s remarks “fell well below the standards expected of a professional player and brought the sport into disrepute.”
The 18-month sanction has been suspended for a period of two years, meaning Suljovic will avoid an immediate suspension from competition provided he completes a series of mandatory diversity and inclusion training sessions and does not commit any further breaches of the DRA code during that time. He has also been fined an undisclosed sum and ordered to issue a formal written apology.
In a statement released through his management, Suljovic said he “deeply regrets” the comments and accepted the disciplinary outcome.
“I understand that my words were unacceptable and caused offense,” the statement read. “I apologize unreservedly to the women affected and to the wider darts community. I am committed to learning from this and completing the required education programs.”
The PDC, which sanctions professional darts events, said it supported the DRA’s decision and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the sport is “welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”
The case comes amid growing scrutiny of conduct within professional darts, a sport that has historically struggled to shed a laddish image and has faced criticism over its treatment of women players and fans. The DRA has signaled in recent months that it intends to take a firmer line on discriminatory behavior, both on and off the oche.
Women’s darts advocates welcomed the ruling but said it should serve as a broader warning.
“This sends a clear message that sexist language has consequences, regardless of a player’s status or achievements,” said one spokesperson for a women’s darts organization. “We hope this is part of a sustained cultural shift rather than a one-off response.”
Suljovic, known for his deliberate throwing style and crowd-pleasing walk-ons, remains eligible to compete on the professional tour while the suspended ban is in effect. He is expected to return to action at upcoming PDC events, where he will face heightened scrutiny from both officials and fans.
The DRA said it would not comment further on the specifics of the case, citing the confidentiality of its disciplinary process.