UK Darts Legend Matt Clark Told To “Rest Or Die” After Illness

Matt Clark, one of the most celebrated veterans in British darts, has revealed a terrifying medical warning that forced him to step away from competition earlier in 2025. The 57-year-old from Dartford, affectionately known as “Superman” across the circuit, revealed that he was rushed to hospital after developing a blood clot during the World Seniors Tour. 

Doctors reportedly told him that immediate rest was the only way to avoid a fatal outcome. 

Clark, a PDC Tour Card holder who reached the last 32 at the PDC World Championships in 2006, was hit with the seriousness of the situation after speaking to medical professionals. “Midway through the seniors tour, I got a life-threatening blood clot in a not very pleasant place,” he explained. “When you are literally sat in front of a doctor, and they say, ‘If you do anything that moves, you’re dead’, it kind of gives you a new perspective on life.”

The darting star, who previously competed full-time on the PDC circuit from 2003 and 2017, and again between 2019 and 2022, was immediately forced to withdraw from all competition. During that time, he underwent medical treatments to stabilise his condition. 

Clark said that the doctor’s warning was as direct as it was terrifying. “They said, ‘You cannot go to work. If we don’t get that under control, you’re either going to have a brain haemorrhage or a heart attack. It’s as simple as that’.” The threat of sudden collapse meant all competition and tournaments, which involved long days, were immediately ruled out. 

Clark revealed that he tried to keep the situation away from the public while he was recovering. At the time, the rumours were that he had a bad leg, but he was actually undergoing treatment in hospital to address his health condition. 

As he continued treatment, his mobility became severely restricted. Clark explained that he was “under hospital guidance” and that he wasn’t allowed to travel at all. That meant that the start of his WDF season was postponed. His return to the sport was only possible once he was formally discharged in February. 

Dart fans who were following the season closely turned to betting platforms that helped them uncover insights on upcoming matches and players, including those like Clark who had unexpected withdrawals from major tournaments. Many supporters of the sport use the top UK betting platforms to track event data, compare odds, and remain engaged throughout the year. This approach has become particularly useful as legends like Clark make unexpected comebacks.  

The struggle wasn’t over for Clark when he was back in action. He said that he still had issues that he was dealing with, but that these would subside over time. He also highlighted that his back is “slightly wonky” but that he is using a back brace to deal with it. 

Despite the trauma of his medical ordeal, Clark has had an impressive comeback. He is now playing under the WDF banner after losing his PDC Tour Card. “Superman” has returned to major competition as the No. 7 seed at the WDF World Championship. 

His competitive pedigree remains incredible. He famously won the 1999 Canadian Open, had a strong run in the PDC in the mid-2000s, and reached the quarter finals of the 2008 World Matchplay during one of the most notable performances of his career. During that match, he pushed James Wade before losing 16-12. Wade went on to reach the final, where he was defeated by Phil “The Power” Taylor. 

The fact that Clark is once again competing at a world championship level is remarkable. His resilience and determination have earned admiration from fellow players and fans, most of whom were completely unaware of the extent of his medical emergency. 

Clark is now focusing on managing his long-term health while competing wherever possible.