Ally McCoist has condemned the “unacceptable” crowd abuse directed at Cameron Menzies during the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The Rangers legend, who had spoken to the Ayrshire player hours before his match, expressed his strong disapproval of the treatment Menzies received during his opening round defeat to Leonard Gates on Monday night.
The talkSPORT host was particularly concerned about the impact on Menzies, who has been seeing a sports psychologist to help with anxiety on stage.
The incident left the 35-year-old Scottish player visibly emotional, with harrowing scenes as his World Championship dream came to an end.
World Darts Championship: Ally McCoist has condemned the “unacceptable” crowd abuse directed at Cameron Menzies
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Menzies faced hostile treatment from the crowd as he entered the arena, being met with boos and derogatory chants.
Spectators repeatedly sang “Scotland get battered” and chanted “USA!” as Menzies struggled against his American opponent.
The abuse came at a particularly difficult time for Menzies, who was already dealing with his father Ricky being ill in hospital.
World Darts Championship: Cameron Menzies was targeted by fans at Alexandra Palace during his defeat on Monday
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Throughout the match, Menzies could be seen taking deep breaths as he attempted to manage his anxiety, with the crowd’s behaviour clearly affecting his performance.
Speaking to talkSPORT, McCoist acknowledged that while crowd participation is part of sports, there must be limits.
“It goes with the turf I think. Cameron’s a brilliant lad, I know him, I spoke to him, smashing lad, particularly in an arena like that where he can hear it, see it, and it’s so visible,” McCoist said.
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The former Rangers star drew parallels with football, noting: “Anybody that has performed in an Old Firm derby, would tell you, particularly the opposition stadium, the abuse that you take, with the greatest respect it’s unacceptable.”
“Some of the things that are shouted at football matches, in particular, any other walk of life, you did it in the street, you go to jail,” he added.
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McCoist emphasised that while fan participation and enjoyment are important parts of sporting events, mental health must be considered.
“There’s something great about it, but if it starts affecting people’s mental health that’s something that should be looked at,” he stated.
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The Rangers legend insisted there should always be respect between fans and participants, though he acknowledged this isn’t always the case.
Meanwhile, in other World Championship action, Fallon Sherrock’s tournament also came to an end despite having crowd support, as she lost 3-2 to Ryan Meikle in a thrilling contest.
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