Stephen Bunting says he and his family have been hurt by his 13-year-old son, Toby, being victim to online trolling. Bullet posted an emotional statement on Monday following his shock third-round exit at the PDC World Championship over the weekend. Toby is regularly seen cheering on his dadInstagram @stephenbunting180Last year’s semi-finalist suffered a 4-3 defeat to world no.63 James Hurrell in what was the biggest win of Hurrell’s career so far. Bunting was gracious in defeat as he wished Hurrell all the best for the rest of the tournament but also took the opportunity to shed further light on the struggles of being one of the most recognisable figures in darts. One of those struggles is online abuse aimed at him. Even family members, including 13-year-old Toby are victims of it. “Hi guys, sorry I’ve had a few days away from my socials but I just needed a small bit of time after my game to recover and rest,” Bunting said in an emotional statement on Monday. “Losing any game is never easy but losing in the World Championship always hurts more. Massive congratulations to James Hurrell, who played a fantastic match and I wish him all the very best for the rest of the tournament. “I tried my best and although some of my finishing was on point I just couldn’t find my true scoring game but that’s darts for you. “I wanted to come on and say thank you to all the fans and the support which has been overwhelming from you guys. Not only in the venue but all over my socials with messages of support and love.“You guys really are my inspiration and you help to pick me up while I’m down in any situation. You’re a massive reason why I keep trying to give 110 per cent in every aspect of what I do, whether that’s playing on the stage or doing any type of my media work. “There have been many negative comments but the positive far outweighs them and deafens the noise they try to make. “I want to thank my family who put a lot of commitment in behind the scenes, not really seeing me as much as I like and I’ve found that the most difficult this year but they know I do this all for them.Bunting was sent packing from Alexandra Palace by Hurrell on SaturdayGetty“I love my family so much and they give me massive motivation to continue this journey. “I still believe I have a lot to give to darts over the rest of my career and I want to make them forever proud. “They see the negative comments and do their best to make sure I don’t see them and even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online which is really hurtful for us as a family. “Toby is one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet and I’ll be doing a lot more social stuff with him this coming year. “I want to thank my management and sponsors for another great season. Your support means the world to me and you guys make doing what I do worthwhile, enjoyable and easy to do. “Lastly, I wanted to wish you all a happy new year and hope you all have a wonderful 2026. Let’s go Bunting mental into 2026 and I love you all. Bullet xxxxx.”Bunting has previously spoken candidly about his struggles with online trollsGettyBunting’s online troll strugglesThis is not the first time Bunting has admitted to struggling with the online abuse, the player breaking down in tears as he opened up on the problems after his second round win at Ally Pally.“I never ever shy away from my fans,” Bunting began post-match. “I’ll stand by it, I still think I’ve got the biggest fanbase in darts.“I’m lucky, you saw it tonight, how loud was that crowd… the walk-on was exceptional, they got behind me every single leg.“Even at times when I’d salvage 45 or 59, they were always there behind me and that’s so important for a person.“When you’re stood up on that stage it’s a lonely place, and if things don’t go right you can look at your family, look at your manager or sponsors, but it’s down to you.”Bunting then paused and said with a crack in his voice: “I’m getting a bit emotional, but…”View Tweet: https://t.co/iYX9FSvJaUHe then took a deep breath to try and compose himself before being unable to talk for the next few seconds as he could not hold back some tears in what was a vulnerable moment.A Bunting Mental 2025The Liverpudlian’s third-round exit ended what’s been a successful 2025 for him having been included in the Premier League roster following his success at last year’s tournament at Ally Pally. Although he finished bottom of the standings, Bunting enjoyed great success in other tournaments having won his first World Series title in January by claiming glory at the Bahrain Darts Masters.The following week saw him finish second to Rob Cross at the Dutch Darts Masters. In April, Bunting won his first PDC European Tour title, beating Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall en route to the crown. The 40-year-old then won his second World Series title with a triumph at the Nordic Darts Masters and followed that up with his second European Tour title at the Swiss Darts Trophy.