Darts star Leighton Bennett has been banned for eight years and dropped by sponsor Target Darts after being found guilty of match-fixing. The 18-year-old was initially suspended in August after suspicious betting patterns were detected following his participation in the Modus Super Series. Bennett was found guilty of rigging four games, providing inside information about the matches, failing to assist in an investigation, and signing a contract with an unregistered manager. The ban also included an order to pay £8,100.23. Target Darts released a statement expressing their disappointment in Bennett’s actions and highlighting their commitment to integrity, fairness, and respect for the game.
The match-fixing allegations stem from Bennett’s participation in the Modus Super Series event, where he was involved in four games with suspicious outcomes. Despite being a promising talent in the darts world, Bennett’s actions have tarnished his reputation and resulted in severe consequences. His ban and subsequent termination of sponsorship by Target Darts serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding values of transparency, honesty, and fairness in the sport of darts. The statement from the sponsor emphasizes the need to promote these values at all levels of the game to ensure its integrity is maintained.
Bennett’s rise to fame in the darts world began at the age of 13 when he defeated 16-time world champion Phil Taylor. He is a former BDO World Youth Champion and was considered a future superstar in the sport. His rivalry with fellow player Luke Littler was seen as a potential successor to the iconic rivalry between Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld. Despite his talents on the oche, Bennett’s involvement in match-fixing has cast a shadow over his promising career and raised questions about his future in the sport.
The ban and loss of sponsorship have significant consequences for Bennett’s career and reputation in the darts world. His actions have not only harmed his own prospects but also damaged the integrity of the sport as a whole. Match-fixing scandals have the potential to undermine the trust and credibility of darts as a professional sport. Moving forward, it will be essential for organizations and players to remain vigilant in upholding ethical standards and ensuring fair competition. The consequences faced by Bennett serve as a cautionary tale for those considering engaging in unethical behavior within the darts community.
The statement from Target Darts reflects a commitment to upholding values of integrity, fairness, and respect in the sport of darts. By terminating Bennett’s sponsorship and expressing their disappointment in his actions, the sponsor sends a clear message about the consequences of engaging in match-fixing. As a prominent figure in the darts world, Bennett’s ban serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport and adhering to ethical standards. Moving forward, it will be crucial for players, organizations, and fans to continue promoting transparency, honesty, and fairness in darts to preserve its reputation as a professional and reputable sport.
Overall, the ban and loss of sponsorship for Leighton Bennett highlight the severe consequences that can result from engaging in match-fixing in the sport of darts. His actions have tarnished his reputation and raised concerns about the integrity of professional darts. By taking a firm stance against unethical behavior and emphasizing values of transparency, honesty, and fairness, organizations like Target Darts are working to uphold the integrity of the sport. Bennett’s ban serves as a cautionary tale for players and fans alike, reminding everyone of the importance of upholding ethical standards to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of darts as a professional sport.
