Darts star James Wade wants the authorities to reduce the ban (Image: Getty)
contender James Wade has thrown his support behind Leighton Bennett and urged the authorities to consider reducing his suspension after the
The 18-year-old was found guilty by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA). in November of 10 counts of match-fixing, after in at an event last year.
Bennett was charged with providing inside information about the fixtures, failing to assist the investigation and signing a contract with an unregistered manager.
The teenager, who was also fined £8,100.23 for his offences, will not be eligible to play darts again until 2032 and cannot have any involvement in DRA-organised events.
Wade, a 38-time PDC title winner, agreed with the decision to punish Bennett but believes the length of the ban handed out was excessive.
“As I said earlier, I have not been avoiding sporting news channels, so I am aware of the eight-year ban given to Leighton Bennett by the Darts Regulation Authority for match-fixing,” Wade wrote in his column.
Leighton Bennett, 18, was banned for eight years by the Darts Regulation Authority (Image: Getty)
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“Now, I don’t know all the details but Leighton has been found guilty and he should be punished. However, I just think the eight-year ban is harsh.
“With this ban at just 18 years old, his professional darts career is effectively over. He has gone from darts prodigy to losing everything based on a misguided decision.
“I don’t personally know Leighton, but I hope there is a duty of care in place and someone is keeping an eye on him.”
Bennett had been lauded as a big talent for the future after coming up through the ranks with Luke Littler. But his career has been left in tatters as he cannot play until he is 27.
Wade believes darts’ lawmakers should consider a lower ban (Image: Getty)
Wade offered his sympathy to the youngster after suggesting he was badly advised, with ‘The Machine’ urging darts’ lawmakers to consider following the example of other sports in helping Bennett right his wrongs.
“I know he parted ways with his manager last year and if he has been badly advised, or left to his own devices to make these wrong decisions, then surely there should be an opportunity for rehabilitation,” he added.
“It happens in other sports, such as athletics and boxing, where a two or three-year ban is imposed, and that person is given one final chance to put it right.
“He has put his whole life into darts and it is a shame he’s not going to get another opportunity at it.”