Michael van Gerwen was hammered by Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship final on Friday night, but he could be in hot water with the sport’s bosses after his post-match interview
Michael van Gerwen was hammered by Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship final on Friday night, but he could be in hot water with the sport’s bosses after his post-match interview Michael van Gerwen was hammered by Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship final on Friday night, but he could be in hot water with the sport’s bosses after his post-match interview
Michael van Gerwen is facing the prospect of being fined again after Sky were forced to apologise for his comments following his defeat to Luke Littler.
Van Gerwen blew the chance to claim his fourth world championship as he was hammered by 17-year-old Littler on Friday night. The Dutchman crashed to a 7-3 defeat at Alexandra Palace, having fallen 4-0 behind.
It means Littler has broken Van Gerwen’s own record as the youngest world champion in darts history. Van Gerwen was gracious in defeat, but did make a comment that could land him in hot water.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he described himself as “an old b******”. Presenter Abi Davies let him finish, before quickly apologising to viewers for any offence caused.
The comment is likely to see Van Gerwen fined by the Darts Regulation Authority for his indiscretion. It would be the second fine that ‘Mighty Mike’ incurs within two days.
Following his semi-final win over Chris Dobey, he told Sky Sports: “We are not even close to winning (a fourth title) yet. The target is still far away – I’m only in the final but I’ve won f*** all yet, so I need to make sure I do it in the final. This is my passion, this is my life, and I really enjoyed it tonight.”
That X-rated comment is also likely to see him handed a fine by the DRA. Any sanction is unlikely to make a real dent to Van Gerwen’s wallet though, with the Dutchman picking up a £200,000 cheque for finishing as this year’s runner-up.
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Van Gerwen was gracious in defeat as he hailed Littler for his performance. The Dutchman insisted he had not played badly, but admitted the wonderkid had too much firepower.
“I went 4-0 behind and after that I thought I wasn’t doing myself any justice, but that’s the way it is,” Van Gerwen said. “You need to try to fight and battle back and I think after going 4-0 down, I was definitely not the worst player out of us.
“But fair play to him, every chance he got and every moment he had to hurt me, he did. I had a lovely tournament and I enjoyed every moment of it. We all know I’ve come from a far distance and I’ve been battling my own game.
“But at the beginning of the game I was letting myself down too much and when you do that against a player with his ability, you’re going to be in trouble. You have to take it on the chin, move on and walk off the stage as a champion.
“I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years, a star gets born. He deserves it, he played well. It hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not going to be a sportsman. I have to move on and make sure I keep playing better.”
Mirror – Sport