Cross upset about cheating suspicions from King: “I’ve never ever been accused of being a cheat in my life”
PDC
Rob Cross lost 10-5 to Mervyn King over the weekend at The Masters but the main talking point came from cheating suspicions levied at Voltage during the tie.
Cross had to move to the end of the oche to hit double 16 but King complained that it was potentially over the line and speaking to Darts World, he has now had his say.
“I really was shocked about what happened. I’ve never ever been accused of being a cheat in my life. Because that’s what it sounded like,” said Cross to Darts World.
“As far as I was concerned I stood on the line. The referee didn’t say anything and he was watching me.
“Obviously what was said on stage annoyed me. It certainly had an effect on me. I’m not saying it would have changed the result. Mervyn was 9-4 in front and on the way to winning deservedly.
“But I don’t understand why he would say my foot was over the line. He knows I’m not the sort to try anything. He knows I’m not the sort on anything like that.
“I’m pretty sure that I was further away from the board from where I threw from than the oche line anyway.
“But it’s very disappointing that someone who claims to be a mate would basically suggest that I would intentionally cheat. Never have, never will.”
“I gave Mervyn a lot of time before we played, practising and socialising and then that is said,” he continued.
“I really don’t think it is acceptable that a player can suggest something like cheating when the referee didn’t even feel the need to speak to me. Let alone the angle Merv was looking at from behind me.”
Rob cross true gentleman. L ve him to bits. Mr King properl Suffolk lad.
The referees always seem cowardly and shy away from any confrontation. Ultimately the referee was facing the board. Chris Mason mentioned a line, I guess similar to motor racing track limits, you cant cross the line to make a throw. The bottom line is Cross was completely dominated by Mervyn, if its not in the rules its not cheating, I don't think he cheated. What I dislike about darts nowadays is from Price, van Gerwen and Huybrects with the over celebrating, they scrape in a double 2 and prance and roar as if they've won a World Championship hitting a 170 from a nine darter - that I think needs looking at I would love to see Ted Hankey or Richie Burnett as a referee, ha ha nobody would mess with them.
Well the replay suggested he was over so what is the problem? Stand back and dont say anything?! Clearly you're opinion... OK 🤔 I wouldn't personally be like that if I feel something is wrong. Sour grapes from Cross, don't try and deflect from the fact you were completely outplayed Robert, come along now. If you listen to Mervs post match interview he's gutted about it and has openly said if he got it wrong he apologises. Give the guy a break FFS! The guy is a credit to the game and to beat Durrant, Cross, Aspinall and Price on the way to the final at 54 emphasises his passion and commitment to the game. King did absolutely nothing wrong.
The way the oche is set up for PDC events is an invitation for these kind of complaints. If the player goes wide of the raised oche to get an angle, there are no markings on the floor to aid the player in staying legal. It's a fairly easy fix: 1. Don't allow the player to go beyond the raised oche or 2. Extend the raised oche to the edge of the exclusion zone on both sides or 3. Put a line on the floor (taped or painted) to the edge of the exclusion zone, so the player, his opponent and the referee all can tell that encroachment past the oche line isn't happening.
Number three would work best - Chris Mason suggested it on commentary and I think this would be the easiest solution. A strip of tape or metal the ref can clearly see and the player must get a thumbs up from the ref before throwing. In my opinion, Cross wasn't cheating, the ref made a bad call.
I wouldnt bother what M KING says .He always has been an A/Hole, Dont know whats wrong with him, Doesnt do darts any good, good luck for this season Rob,
Merv is no such thing yes he can be dour but plays the game in the 'old school ' way ,you only have to look at his reaction to the disgraceful antics of Price,MVG and the likes.A credit to the game with the way he has turned his career around at 54!
totally agree with you Rob. Mervyn is a sad little man. Hope you regain your form and confidence this year mate
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