Video footage circulated online depicting Smith-Neale appearing to punch Whittaker after losing at the Nuneaton Darts Open. The 30-year-old hit out before continuing to shout at his opponent after the match.
Smith-Neale was subsequently placed under investigation by the DRA. However, the Coventry-born player was on Tuesday surprisingly included on the PDC’s entry list for next week’s Players Championship 5.
A prestigious event in darts, Smith-Neale would have been competing for a £125,000 prize in Germany. The World No. 82 could have faced a high-profile tie against the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Rob Cross or Peter Wright.
But the PDC have now confirmed that Smith-Neale has been withdrawn from the tournament while he remains under investigation.
A statement from the DRA on Tuesday read: “The DRA Chairman took the decision to suspend Adam Smith-Neale from attending or competing in DRA sanctioned events. This relates to an allegation that he assaulted another player at the end of his match in an amateur event in Nuneaton played on 9th March 2024.
“He has the right to appeal the suspension decision and he will face a disciplinary hearing at a date to be arranged.”
The PDC have since confirmed to Express Sport that Smith-Neale’s suspension covers the Players Championship tournament for which he was scheduled to participate.
Smith-Neale has been able to compete at the highest level having regained a PDC Tour card in 2023. He has been allowed to play on the PDC Tour for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Nicknamed Big Dog, Smith-Neale had previously lost his tour card in 2012 and fought for 11 years to win it back.
Footage of the incident in question was shared on social media on Monday. It appears to have been taken from security cameras inside the venue, which is reported to have been the Lucky Break pub in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
It is unclear what provoked the reaction from Smith-Neale, who appeared incensed by Whittaker at the end of the match. Seen in a green t-shirt, Smith-Neale appeared to punch Whittaker and the pair continued to exchange heated words as the latter walked away from the board.
