JESUS has made his second coming in time for Christmas, albeit during an international darts competition at a British seaside resort.

Well, at least many wanted to believe it was the birthday boy.

Alas, it was bearded Australian Nathan Grindal, whose appearance disrupted a televised final of a darts competition in Minehead, 300km west of London.

Mr Grindal was enjoying the clash between former world champion Phil Taylor and Belgian rival Kim Huybrechts when the audience unexpectedly began chanting "stand up if you love Jesus".

Mr Grindal's long blond locks and his beard apparently convinced some at the Butlins resort in Minehead, Somerset, it was Jesus sitting among them in the audience and as the chanting grew more disruptive, security was called in to ask Mr Grindal to leave.

Organisers recognised the Australian, who moved to the UK six years ago, had done nothing wrong, but his presence was causing the disturbance.

The 33-year-old was escorted by security to another bar and bought a pint of beer, as he was forced to watch the finals clash from a TV.

"I didn't go to the darts dressed as Jesus, I went as me, it was all very weird and distressing," Mr Grindal, who began growing a beard four months ago, said.

After the competition, Taylor said: "If I ever see Jesus again, I'll crucify him myself."

Mr Grindal said it was all very hurtful and he was fearful of ever attending a live darts match again.

Organisers defended their action, saying his presence was causing a nuisance for the players, but conceded the four-pint pitchers of beer they were selling had encouraged the boisterous crowd to create the apparition.

Originally published as Jesus kicked out, might not come again