Professional darts player Stephen Bunting has publicly condemned the online trolls who targeted his teenage son during the recent World Darts Championship.
Family Distress During Championship Campaign
Bunting disclosed that his 13-year-old son, Toby, was subjected to abusive messages on social media while supporting his father at Alexandra Palace. The young fan was in the crowd watching when Bunting was eliminated in the tournament's third round. The darts star took to the social media platform X to share the impact this trolling has had, stating it caused significant distress to his family.
A Father's Response to Online Hate
In his emotional post, Bunting affirmed his love for his family and his determination to continue his professional darts career. He vowed to make them proud despite the barrage of negative comments directed at his child. This revelation came shortly after Bunting's own candid interview about experiencing online abuse following his second-round victory in the same competition.
The Wider Issue of Abuse in Sport
The incident highlights the persistent problem of online harassment faced by sports personalities and their families. Bunting's decision to speak out underscores the personal toll such abuse takes, extending beyond the player to affect their loved ones. His commitment to playing on serves as a defiant response to the trolls who sought to undermine his World Darts Championship campaign.
