Tearful darts referee comforted by player as cameras catch emotional moment

Darts referee Owen Binks became emotional during his final MODUS Super Series match as he prepares to move onto the PDC

Owen Binks received comfort from Justin Smith as he called his final MODUS Super Series Live Lounge match on Tuesday afternoon. The 27-year-old is preparing to replace George Noble at the PDC, following the legendary caller’s retirement announcement after the World Darts Championship.

After overseeing more than 6,000 matches for MODUS, Binks officiated one final time as Smith claimed a 4-1 victory over Rob Thornton. As the contest drew to a close, the referee appeared visibly emotional as the reality of departing the series permanently began to sink in.

The official MODUS Super Series account posted a video on X showing Binks looking tearful towards the end of the match, with the caption: “Is someone cutting onions?”

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The footage also captured Binks attempting to maintain his composure whilst giving instructions, before Smith offered him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Binks responded with a slight smile as the pair shook hands. When the match concluded, Thornton also shook Binks’ hand before opening his arms wide for a hug. Earlier that day, MODUS paid tribute to Binks ahead of his final match, posting: “WE WISH YOU THE BEST BINKSY!

“Today is the last day that Owen Binks will be a Referee here at the Live Lounge and we wish him every success as he furthers his career on the big stage!”

The account subsequently posted a montage of some of Binks’ finest Live Lounge moments, stating: “The Man, The Ref, THE LEGEND! We wish Owen Binks all the very best at the PDC and he will be missed dearly by everyone here at the Live Lounge! I’m not crying, you are.”

Binks’ debut with the PDC will take place at the European Tour in Poland this weekend. Speaking recently about the thrill of the switch, the official revealed how surreal it still felt.

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He told Darts News: “It’s not actually sunk in yet, I don’t think. The fact that I’m going to be calling the action on the main stage has literally always been a dream of mine.

“Even hearing it still hasn’t quite sunk in. It will when I’m up there, that’s for sure. But yeah, it’s mad.”

He also revealed that Noble had repeatedly suggested to him that he would become his PDC replacement, saying: “He’d always say, ‘It’s coming, mate. Don’t worry.’ We sort of knew there were talks for a fair whilst.”

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