Mensur Suljovic is through to the quarter-final of the 2026 Swiss Darts Trophy after a 6-5 last-leg deciding win over Ross Smith in the third round. His win has been heavily criticised by darts fans on social media though for ‘unsportsmanlike’ behavior.
Another big win over Michael van Gerwen in the second round of the 2026 Swiss Darts Trophy set Mensur Suljovic up with a third round tie against Ross Smith.
Suljovic has not made a Euro Tour quarter-final since 2023 at the Austrian Darts Open so a third round tie against Ross Smith would be a difficult draw.
Smudger has won two Euro Tour titles so far in 2026 whilst finishing runner-up twice and currently sits top of the Euro Tour Order of Merit.
With the match going to 5-5, Suljovic would secure the win but has been blasted by darts fans online for his actions during Smith’s match darts throws…
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Mensur Suljovic Gestures Crowd During Ross Smith Match Darts
Ross Smith had the throw during the deciding set and was down to a checkout opportunity first (61 remaining). Suljovic hit a clutch 180 though to also leave a checkout opportunity (55 remaining) should Smith miss.
Smith hit 25 to leave D18 and his first dart was just outside the wire and this is where the controversy of the match began.
The camera panned back to Smith before attempting his second match dart and Suljovic could be seen in the background ‘gesturing’ to the Basel crowd.
Smith was unaware of this but after missing another match dart, Suljovic would continue to gesture to the crowd and could be seen celebrating the missed dart from Smith.
Suljovic would then go on to win the match but following the last leg highlight video being released by PDC on their X account, darts fans would take to the comments blasting Suljovic for ‘unsportmanlike’ conduct and calling for him to be suspended from the tournament.
SULJOVIC DUMPS OUT SMUDGER! Watch the drama unfold as Mensur Suljovic beats Ross Smith in a dramatic last-leg decider! 📺 https://t.co/Dogi6ykEH5 #ET14 https://t.co/5UauRRnYgE
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) October 11, 2026
Just a few of these comments read:
“How has the ref not said anything to him.”
“I am sorry but you need to kick him out and give Smith a bye.”
“Disgraceful conduct from Mensur there. Frankly that is cheating.”
“That was disgraceful behavior by Suljovic and feel for Smith.”
At the time of writing this, the post has 350k views and 150+ comments with the majority of darts fans furious with Suljovic’s actions during the win.
Following the post, Ross Smith also took to social media to share his opinion…
Ross Smith Also Responds On Social Media
At the time, Ross Smith was not aware of what Suljovic was doing behind him but following the conclusion of the match, he too would take to social media.
On his X account, Ross Smith posted:
“I dont blame Mensur for me losing that game. I missed 2 match darts. Simple as that.
“Obviously it’s impossible for me to no what hes doing behind my back when I’m throwing apart from the the crowds response. If he wants to be an absolute helmet that’s on him #karma will come around.”
This post is also picking up virality on the platform with 100K+ views and 100+ comments, again showing support for Smith and berating Suljovic.
I dont blame Mensur for me losing that game. I missed 2 match darts. Simple as that. Obviously its impossible for me to no what hes doing behind my back when im throwing apart from the the crowds response. If he wants to be an absolute helmet thats on him #karma will come around
— Ross Smith (@RossSmith180) October 11, 2026
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Image credit – @OfficialPDC
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