Full Breakdown
Stephen Bunting Addresses Online Abuse Targeting His Son After Championship Exit
12/29/2025, 9:01:25 PM
Emotional Fallout from Championship Loss
Stephen Bunting, the world-ranked number four in darts, has publicly addressed the online abuse directed at his 13-year-old son, Toby, following his unexpected exit from the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. Bunting suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to world number 63 James Hurrell at Alexandra Palace, a loss that not only impacted his tournament standing but also triggered a wave of negative comments aimed at his family. In a heartfelt post on social media, Bunting expressed the emotional toll this harassment has taken on them, stating, “Even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online, which really is hurtful for us as a family.”
The Impact of Social Media Trolls
Bunting's comments highlight the pervasive issue of online trolling, particularly how it affects family members of public figures. He emphasized the importance of family support during this challenging time, noting, “I love my family so much; they give me massive motivation to continue this journey.” Bunting revealed that his family actively works to shield him from negative comments, but the impact on Toby has been particularly distressing. He described his son as “one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet,” reinforcing the unfairness of the situation.
Official Statements and Responses
In his statement, Bunting acknowledged the overwhelming support he has received from fans, which he described as “very overwhelming.” He expressed gratitude for their encouragement, stating, “You guys really are my inspiration and you help to pick me up whilst I'm down in any situation.” Despite the negativity, he remains optimistic about his future in darts, asserting, “I still believe I have a lot to give darts over the rest of my career and I want to make them forever proud.”
Criticism and Calls for Action
The incident has sparked discussions within the darts community regarding the need for action against online abuse. Fellow professional Justin Hood has called for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA) to intervene, emphasizing that young family members should not be subjected to such harassment. Hood stated, “He ain't got to be reading all that. The PDC need to do something or PDPA. They've got to step in and sort it out.”
What's Next for Bunting
Looking ahead, Bunting has expressed intentions to engage more with his son on social media, aiming to create positive experiences that counteract the negativity they have faced. He remains committed to his career in darts, despite the challenges posed by online trolls and the pressure of competition. As he prepares for the upcoming year, Bunting's focus will be on both his professional aspirations and the well-being of his family.
