Darts star Stephen Bunting breaks down in tears as he opens up after interview sparked online abuse
Stephen Bunting broke down in tears as he discussed the online backlash he has faced at the World Darts Championship.
The fourth seed had just dispatched India’s Nitin Kumar in a commanding 3-0 victory at Alexandra Palace, where he averaged 94.11 and dropped only two legs throughout the match.
However, the 40-year-old from St Helens struggled to contain his feelings when questioned about the criticism he received after describing himself as “the people’s champion” following his opening-round triumph over Sebastian Bialecki.
“I’ve had some stick over social media,” Bunting said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Bunting explained that his controversial remark was never intended as self-aggrandisement.
He told reporters: “That was literally a comment from what Sky have said, what PDC have said. It wasn’t me saying I’m the People’s Champion.
“I was just talking about what was said.”
The popular player, known for his David Guetta ‘Titanium’ walk-on, revealed the abuse extended beyond social media platforms.
Stephen Bunting broke down in tears as he discussed the online backlash he has faced at the World Darts Championship
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He admitted: “I’ve had quite a few emails as well. But I need to rise above that. People online are fickle.”
Speaking to talkSport, Bunting described some of the messages as “really hurtful” and acknowledged he should avoid reading online comments.
The world number four confessed that standing on the Ally Pally stage can feel isolating.
He said: “When you’re stood up on that stage it’s a lonely place, and if things don’t go right you can look at your family, look at your manager or sponsors, but it’s down to you.”
Stephen Bunting admitted he had been anxious about how spectators might respond following the online controversy
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PABunting admitted he had been anxious about how spectators might respond following the online controversy.
He told the station: “I had a bit of hate online and I thought that was going to relate into the game, to be honest.”
Yet the atmosphere inside the venue proved overwhelmingly positive.
Bunting praised the crowd’s unwavering backing throughout every leg of his dominant performance.
Five things to know about the sport of darts | PABunting stressed his dedication to engaging supporters across multiple channels, adding that his YouTube following has surpassed 100,000 subscribers.
He said: “I like to give back to the fans through YouTube, TikTok, through everything I do. If they see me in a pub or wherever, Tesco or a shopping centre, I’ll always give time to the fans.”
The former Lakeside world champion maintained he possesses the largest fanbase in darts and expressed gratitude for their role in his career.
Bunting will now enjoy Christmas with his family before returning to face fellow Englishman James Hurrell in the last 32 on Saturday.
