Darts player Joe Cullen stormed out of a press conference after participating in an equally bizarre interview with Sky Sports.
Cullen beat Wessel Nijman in the second round of the 2024 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, throwing eight 180s and averaged a three-dart average of 98.18.
He looked full of emotion and passion after securing the checkout that sent him into the fourth round and after shaking hands with Nijman and the officials, spoke to Abigail Davies of Sky Sports.
But across three questions, Cullen delivered just 23 words in a number of blunt responses – offering his most detailed answer when asked about whether his win came as a result extra work beforehand.
“No, not really,” Cullen said.
“I’ve been here all week. Threw my first darts yesterday for the best part of a week.”
While he agreed that the darts did the talking for him, the Rockstar replied, “No” when asked if it was the best he felt on the big stage.
If that wasn’t odd enough, Cullen then proceeded to cause further controversy in a press conference which he did not finish.
Cullen referenced his opponent’s previous suspension for breaching betting and anti-corruption rules after being found guilty of match-fixing at the Modus Icons of Darts at Home series.
Nijman was initially hit with a five-year ban which was halved after he agreed to participate in player education and anti-corruption measures
But Cullen, the 2022 Masters champion accused the media of showing him a lack of respect in viewing Nijman as the favourite. He therefore decided to do the same to the press by “going home”.
“I don’t know Wessel personally but I think the surrounding of the media led to his demise a little bit.
“I’ve struggled this year on the oche and off the oche so to find a performance like that, to be honest I’ve got you guys to thank because I don’t think I would have played like that if I had read some of the nonsense that I read beforehand.
“Honestly, the media attention that Wessel’s got, again this is not a reflection on him. He seems like a fantastic kid, he’s been caught up in a few things beforehand but he’s served his time and he’s held his hands up, like a lot haven’t.
“I think the way I’ve been treated probably with the media and things like that – I know you guys have no control over the bookies – I’ve been shown no respect, so I won’t be showing any respect to any of you guys tonight. I’m going to go home. Cheers.”
Joe Cullen left out a press conference prematurely after his second round win. Image: Getty
Cullen promptly got up from the table and exited the room without any further comment.
On Sunday, he provided an explanation for his awkward interview, revealing that reporter Davies was well aware of the approach he was going to take.
Taking to X, Cullen wrote: “Last thing I’ll say just to clarify this…… myself & Abi get on brilliant. I briefed Abi before the interview started that I wouldn’t be giving her much…… and she replied ‘no problem sugar tits!’ (In Nessa’s voice) – just to draw a line under that. Enjoy Xmas guys.”
Having secured passage to the third round, Cullen will take on 2021 world champion Gerwyn Price after Christmas.