Ted Hankey rows with the crowd in BDO exit
Telford's Ted Hankey is in the commentary box and out of the firing line for the rest of the BDO World Darts Trophy after a stormy first round exit.
Rows with the crowd marred his 6-4 defeat to Sam Hewson, but he has now joined the Eurosport broadcast team for the rest of proceedings.
Hankey remonstrated with a section of the audience and complained to the match referee, as he went down fighting at Manchester's Event City.
Claims were made that loud heckling and abusive comments came from two tables that were supporting Hewson, who then came out on top.
Viewers watched the scenes unfold on television including PDC player Dean Winstanley, a former cohort of Hankey on the BDO circuit.
Winstanley tweeted: "Is it right to call player swear words while he's throwing and chanting 'buy deodorant?'
"This was the opposition's table calling Ted. Yes, he did his usual tricks but that's what we all learn how to deal with with him.
"No other player or audience should be allowed to the stage to talk to a player on stage in the middle of a game. Disgraceful."
Lincolnshire thrower Hewson was a late replacement for former BDO world champion Scott Waites, who has just had an operation on his shoulder.
Hankey, himself, was granted entry to the competition as a wildcard. The two-time BDO titlist will now work the remainder of the event as a pundit.
