Cameron Menzies has issued a personal apology to Charlie Manby after an emotional outburst at Alexandra Palace overshadowed his exit from the World Darts Championship, with the Scottish player admitting his behaviour crossed a line following a bruising defeat.
The 36-year-old was knocked out of the tournament in a dramatic second-round match by 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby, who edged a tense 3–2 victory that went down to the final moments.
As the magnitude of the loss sank in, Menzies reacted angrily on stage, punching his drinks table three times and leaving his hand bloodied.
He also caused concern by placing his hand over a pyrotechnics cannon while it was still fizzing, prompting alarm among officials and viewers alike.
The scenes quickly drew widespread attention, threatening to eclipse Manby’s breakthrough performance, which secured him a place in the second round against Adam Sevada.
Ahead of that match, Menzies took to social media to clarify that he had reached out directly to the young Englishman to apologise.
“Hi all. Wishing Charlie Manby all the best tonight in his match against Adam Sevada,” Menzies wrote.
Cameron Menzies sported a bloodied hand following his exit from the World Darts Championship | GETTY
“I have spoken to Charlie personally and apologised to him for my actions. He understood that I was caught up in my own moment of frustration and that it was nothing personal towards him, or his win.
“It was very important to speak to him about that, and I am grateful he never once thought I was directing anything at him.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of support – it really means a lot. My hand is on the mend. Sorry again for last week.”
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Menzies’ statement followed an earlier and deeply personal explanation in which he revealed that a recent family bereavement had taken a heavy emotional toll.
He disclosed that his uncle Gary had passed away shortly before the tournament, describing him as a paternal figure whose support had shaped much of his life.
“It has not been an easy time for me with my uncle Gary passing away recently,” Menzies said.
“I saw him four days before he died and he gave a look which told me how much he thought of me. He treated me like a son.”
The timing of the tournament, he added, had compounded the strain.
Had he beaten Manby, his next match would have fallen on the day of his uncle’s funeral.
Cameron Menzies praised Charlie Manby following his elimination from the World Darts Championship
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“That has not been lost on me in recent days,” he said, while stressing that grief was not an excuse.
“Let me say again, that’s no excuse for what I did on the stage. It was the wrong thing to do and I don’t want it to take anything away from Charlie.
“He played well and deserved his win. This is not how I would like people to view me.”
Manby’s victory itself was a notable moment in the championship.
The youngster has been one of the standout performers on the Youth Development Tour, posting a remarkable 130.70 average earlier this season, and his composure under pressure at Alexandra Palace further enhanced his growing reputation.
Menzies, however, appears to have put his agonising defeat behind him.