Former world champion Rob Cross faces punishment from the Darts Regulation Authority after performing a lewd gesture during his World Championship exit at Alexandra Palace.
The fifth seed crashed out of the tournament on Monday evening, losing 3-1 to Scott Williams in the second round.
Cross, who claimed the title in 2018 with victory over Phil Taylor, took the first set before Williams won three consecutive sets to advance.
During the match, Cross appeared visibly frustrated and was seen staring down the crowd at Alexandra Palace.
Rob Cross faces punishment from the Darts Regulation Authority after performing a lewd gesture during his World Championship exit at Alexandra Palace on Monday night
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The 34-year-old then made a controversial gesture, forming a loose grip with his right hand and raising it to his face while moving it side to side, pushing his cheek out with his tongue.
The incident was captured by Sky Sports cameras and could result in disciplinary action from darts authorities.
Cross’s defeat adds to a record-breaking tournament that has now seen 14 seeded players eliminated.
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Rob Cross struggled during his defeat to Scott Williams at the World Darts Championship on Monday night
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The upset followed immediately after sixth seed David Chisnall’s loss to Ricky Evans.
The tournament has claimed several high-profile casualties, with second seed Michael Smith, 13th seed Danny Noppert and 14th seed Gary Anderson all suffering second-round exits over the weekend.
Williams, Cross’s second-round conqueror, is no stranger to controversy at Alexandra Palace himself.
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Last year, the world number 37 was forced to apologise following comments about Germany after defeating Martin Schindler.
“I’ve never had the crowd on my side like that. I know we won two World Wars and one World Cup but that was… the German fans in here were huge,” Williams told Sky Sports at the time.
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He later issued an apology on social media, calling his comments “genuinely stupid”.
Williams has built a significant following at Alexandra Palace through his entertaining performances.
The charismatic player gained attention last year for pulling off a no-look 180 during his run to the semi-finals.
Rob Cross was unable to beat Scott Williams in their World Darts Championship clash on Monday night
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He also memorably attempted to karate chop a wasp while on stage during the same tournament.
Williams will now face Ricardo Pietreczko in the afternoon session on Saturday as he continues his campaign.
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