Breaking: World No. 4 Stephen Bunting speaks out after online abuse targets his family following championship exit
London — stephen Bunting, the world No. 4, says his family has endured hurtful online abuse in the wake of his exit from the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. The 40-year-old was edged out 4-3 by James Hurrell, the world No. 63, in a dramatic seven-set contest at Alexandra Palace on Saturday.
His 13-year-old son, who attended the event, was frequently shown on television supporting his father as the match swung back and forth. In a message posted on X after taking a few days away from social media, Bunting spoke of the toll the abuse has taken on the family and reaffirmed his commitment to his darts career.
“I love my family and they give me massive motivation to keep going,” he wrote. “They see the negative comments and do their best to shield me from them. [My son] is one of the nicest kids you could meet, and I plan to involve him more in my social content this coming year.”
The defeat could jeopardize Bunting’s automatic qualification for the 2026 Premier League Darts, with his world ranking expected to slip outside the top four after the exit.
Evergreen insights: Online abuse in sports and safeguarding families
Experts note that abuse directed at players’ families is a widespread issue across sports, not unique to darts. Leagues, event organizers, and social platforms are increasingly emphasizing responsible engagement and efforts to shield relatives from harassment. Supporting athletes and their families—through mental health resources, clear reporting channels, and strong safeguarding policies—remains essential. For further context, see resources from national safeguarding bodies such as the NSPCC and the UK Safer Internet Center.
| Key Facts | details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 PDC World Darts Championship |
| opponent | James hurrell (World No. 63) |
| Result | Bunting lost 4-3 in seven sets |
| venue | Alexandra Palace, London |
| Ranking at time of event | World No. 4 |
| Impact | Possible loss of automatic qualification for 2026 Premier League darts |
Reader questions: 1) How should sports bodies and fans respond to online harassment that targets players and their families? 2) What steps can platforms implement to curb abuse while protecting free discussion?
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