BREAKING: Darts World in Shock as Pro Player Cameron Menzies Arrested, Issued Lifetime Ban After Alleged Backstage Assault Leaves Colleague “Lifeless

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LONDON – The professional darts community has been plunged into crisis following a night of unprecedented violence, as Scottish player Cameron Menzies has been arrested and summarily issued a lifetime ban from the sport’s governing bodies after an alleged physical attack on a fellow player that left the victim “lifeless” backstage at a tournament.

The incident occurred in the aftermath of a Players Championship event in Wigan on Wednesday evening. According to multiple witnesses and a joint statement from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the World Darts Federation (WDF), a “violent altercation” took place in a restricted players’ area. The altercation, described as a sustained and unprovoked assault, involved Menzies and his colleague, fellow touring professional Nathan Girvan.

Emergency services were called to the venue just before 11 PM. Paramedics treated Girvan at the scene for severe head and facial injuries. Witnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing police investigation, described a scene of chaos, with Girvan initially unconscious and unresponsive. One official stated, “He was lifeless. It was the most horrific thing I’ve seen in this sport. People were screaming for a doctor.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in custody for questioning. The force confirmed the victim, a man in his 20s, was transported to a local hospital where he is now reported to be in stable condition, having regained consciousness.

In a move underscoring the severity with which they view the incident, the PDC and WDF acted with extraordinary speed. Within hours of the arrest, they issued a joint statement announcing an immediate and permanent ban for Menzies from all affiliated events.

“The PDC and WDF have zero tolerance for violence of any kind. Given the extreme and shocking nature of the evidence presented to us from witnesses and officials on site, Cameron Menzies is banned for life from competing in or attending any PDC or WDF sanctioned events with immediate effect,” the statement read. “Our primary concern is for the welfare of Nathan Girvan and his family, and we will offer them our full support. This behaviour has no place in darts or any sport.”

The news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit darts world. Cameron Menzies, known as “The Cammy” on the oche, is a popular and recognizable figure, ranked within the world’s top 50 and renowned for his rapid-fire playing style and for famously brushing his teeth on stage before matches. Nathan Girvan, 24, is a rising talent from Scotland who recently earned his PDC Tour Card.

Colleagues and commentators have expressed a mixture of disbelief and condemnation. Former world champion John Part told broadcasters, “This transcends rivalry. This isn’t a heated exchange or a war of words. What’s described is criminal assault. The lifetime ban is not only justified, it was the only possible response. The sport must cleave to the line that this is utterly unacceptable.”

The incident raises serious questions about security and player welfare backstage at tournaments, which are often characterized by a casual, accessible atmosphere. The PDC has indicated a “top-to-bottom review” of all safety protocols will commence immediately.

For now, the focus remains on Nathan Girvan’s recovery. A statement from his management team said, “Nathan is awake and receiving excellent care. His family are with him and request privacy at this deeply traumatic time. They are profoundly grateful for the messages of support from across the darting community.”

Cameron Menzies’ career, which saw him compete in the World Championship just months ago, is now over. The legal process will now determine the next steps, but for the world of professional darts, a dark line has been drawn. The sport is left to grapple with a moment of profound shame, prioritizing the urgent need for safety and accountability over the spectacle of competition.