Raymond van Barneveld called out cameraman mid-throw at World Championship leading referee to issue statement

Raymond van Barneveld was put off by a photographer at the 2006 BDO World Darts Championship.

The incident occurred during his first round match against Denmark’s Brian Sorensen at Lakeside.

AFP

Barney’s furious reaction even prompted the referee to issue a statement on stage to the cameramen inside the venue.

Van Barneveld had been taking on Sorensen in his opening match of the tournament as defending champion.

It followed the last of his four BDO crowns the previous year.

However, there was tension on stage during the opening leg of the match with both players on a finish.

Cameraman clash

The Dutchman had 10 remaining as he stepped up to the oche, only for his dart at double five to land inside.

He reacted by turning to stare at the photographers at the side of the stage as he raised his arms in frustration.

A visibly annoyed Van Barneveld still had the chance to checkout, though, only to miss on double two with his final dart of the visit.

Sorensen then stepped up to mop up his remaining nine points and take the first leg of the match.

Once the referee had called out the score, he directly addressed the photographers to the side of the stage.

Speaking into his microphone, he announced: “Can I please ask the cameramen, if you’re taking pictures while the players are throwing, please do not move around.”

BBC

Fortunately for Van Barneveld, he was able to recover from losing the opening leg in emphatic fashion.

He went on to win the best-of-five-sets clash 3-0 to advance to the second round.

Van Barneveld at the World Championship

It would kickstart a run to the final, his sixth at the BDO World Darts Championship, which included a win over Gary Anderson.

However, he would ultimately be beaten by compatriot Jelle Klaasen in the final to deny him an historic fifth BDO world title.

As a result, Van Barneveld remained one short of Eric Bristow’s record number of wins in the event.

Instead, he would switch to the PDC the following year and win the PDC World Darts Championship on debut in 2007.

AFP

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His triumph at the Circus Tavern remains his only PDC world title from 18 appearances.

Van Barneveld, who is currently ranked 35th in the world, will play in his 19th PDC World Darts Championship this month.

He faces Stefan Bellmont of Switzerland in the first round at Alexandra Palace.

Their match is scheduled to take place during the evening session on Wednesday, December 17.

The winner will set up a second round clash against either Damon Heta or Steve Lennon.

Van Barneveld was beaten at that stage last year, losing to Nick Kenny.