Darts referee splits up Charlie Manby and James Hurrell in UK Open tie | Other | Sport

Hurrell, who enjoyed his own impressive run at Ally Pally by also reaching the quarter-final before losing to Ryan Searle, appeared to provoke the 20-year-old darts prodigy. When ‘Champagne Charlie’, who is also a bricklayer, stepped up to the oche to throw his three match darts, Hurrell could be seen putting his fingers in his own ears while pulling a face. As Manby hit double four to secure a 6-4 victory, the 41-year-old continued pulling a face, while laughing. However, Manby was not chuckling.

It’s possible Hurrell was upset with the fans at Minehead, many of whom were cheering for Manby. For whatever reason the experienced darts star had his fingers in his ears, Manby was definitely unhappy with the World No. 50.

The pair exchanged some words as Manby collected his darts from the board. In the footage, it’s difficult to ascertain what exactly was said.

Whatever comments were said between the pair, it provoked a mighty reaction from both. They got in each other’s faces and carried on arguing, prompting a referee to step in to urge Manby to walk away.

As their tempers grew larger, many in the crowd could be heard shouting “Come on Charlie,” which made Hurrell even less amused than he already was. As Hurrell, whose nickname is ‘the Hillbilly’ exited the stage to audible boos and whistles, Manby turned back toward the crowd and punched the air, evoking even louder cheers.

It’s not the first time there has been drama with Manby on a darts stage. On his debut at Ally Pally, Manby overcame Scottish darts star Cameron Menzies in a dramatic match.

As the young Englishman turned to embrace Menzies, the Scot infamously started uppercutting his water table, splitting his hand open in the process and leaving Manby and the rest of the crowd at the Palace stunned.

Similarly to his triumph over Hurrell in Minehead, the spectators actively got behind Manby and cheered him to victory. They would continue to support him throughout his run, which was ruthlessly ended by Van Veen, who ran out a 4-1 winner in their last-eight encounter.

At Minehead, Manby had already overcame Swiss player Stefan Bellmont and fellow Englishman Tyler Thorpe in the preceeding rounds. His final victory against Hurrell earned him a place in the fourth-round draw.