“What is the bloke complaining about? He should stay at home!” – Mensur Suljovic firmly responds to Smith’s accusations

Mensur Suljovic has responded to Ross Smith’s fierce criticism, creating the next flashpoint at the Swiss Darts Trophy 2026. After the Austrian beat his English opponent 6–5 in Basel on Sunday afternoon, a public debate erupted over Suljovic’s conduct during the match. Smith subsequently accused his opponent on social media of unsporting behaviour and described his conduct as that of a “complete idiot”. After beating Dirk van Duijvenbode in the quarter-finals, Suljovic was finally given the chance to respond to the allegations himself. His answer was unequivocal.

In his winner’s interview with Philip Brzezinski, “The Gentle” defended his actions, criticised Smith for complaining and pointed to the support of the crowd. When Brzezinski disagreed with him and specifically objected to Suljovic urging on the spectators during his opponent’s match darts, an unusually open discussion developed on stage. Suljovic eventually admitted that he might not have properly noticed the scenes in question, but fundamentally stood by his position.

The controversy began with the last-16 clash between Suljovic and Smith. The Englishman initially led 2–0 and later went 5–3 up, but the Austrian fought back and eventually forced a decider. During that comeback, Suljovic repeatedly encouraged the Basel crowd to make more noise, including when Smith was standing at the oche and throwing his darts.

The most contentious moment came when Suljovic continued to fire up the crowd even during the Englishman’s match darts. Smith visibly reacted with anger on stage. After the narrow 6–5 defeat, the handshake between the two was correspondingly frosty.

Shortly afterwards, Smith addressed the issue on X. He first made clear that he did not blame Suljovic for his defeat. The tone then became much sharper: “Of course, I can’t know what he is doing behind my back when I’m throwing, except from the crowd’s reaction. If he wants to behave like a complete idiot, that’s his business. Karma will come back around.”

After his subsequent quarter-final victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode, Suljovic was asked about the incident in his winner’s interview. The Austrian showed little understanding for Smith’s reaction.

“Look, Ross Smith is one of the best players in the world. What is the guy complaining about? He has to play his game, otherwise he can go straight home,” Suljovic said.

“The Gentle” then used a sweeping and questionable phrase: “Women complain, sorry. You don’t do that.”

Suljovic went on to emphasise that he respected Smith as one of the best darts players, but saw no fundamental problem with his own interaction with the crowd.

“Okay, I got the crowd going a little, just like in Germany. I need the support. I can’t do anything without you. Thank you!” the Austrian told the spectators in Basel.

He then added: “What is he complaining about? When I’m in England, everyone is against me. Everywhere, they’re against me. Now he suddenly complains? He should just stay at home.”

However, the discussion was not over. Presenter and master of ceremonies Philip Brzezinski did not let the comments go unchallenged. He made clear that he personally liked Suljovic and that they had known each other for many years, but said they disagreed on this point.

Brzezinski described the timing of Suljovic’s encouragement during Ross Smith’s match darts as inappropriate and excessive. It was a remarkably clear response from the presenter and prompted Suljovic to offer another immediate statement.

“I didn’t see that. It could be, okay. I’ll have to watch it back on video,” the Austrian replied, at least acknowledging the possibility that he had not properly noticed the decisive moments.

He then defended his treatment of the spectators once again: “I encouraged the crowd behind me, but he has to understand that. The crowd can do what it wants, can’t it? He has to understand that, and then I’ll already be home. My wife will be happy,” Suljovic said with a laugh.

The interview ended with a joke, but the disagreement remained. Smith viewed his opponent’s conduct as disruptive and criticised it publicly, while Suljovic regarded his interaction with the crowd primarily as part of the support he needs for his game.

Sportingly, the controversy has not unsettled the Austrian so far. After his dramatic last-16 victory over Smith, Suljovic also beat Dirk van Duijvenbode and reached the semi-finals of the Swiss Darts Trophy 2026. The discussion surrounding his conduct is likely to follow him beyond the tournament.