Michael van Gerwen has been criticised after calling a rival a ‘pub participant’.
The three-time world champion made the comment after beating Pero Ljubic ultimately weekend’s Poland Darts Masters.
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Van Gerwen secured a 6-4 first spherical victory over his Croatian opponent, who’s 143rd within the PDC world rankings.
Ljubic had been invited to compete within the occasion as one in every of eight Jap European PDC Tour Card holders.
Nonetheless, Mighty Mike took purpose at Ljubic potential in a brutal post-match press convention.
He admitted: “It wasn’t a very good recreation in any respect. Pero must be joyful that he received one leg. Pero isn’t a very good participant. Pero is a pub participant, everyone knows that.”
Van Gerwen’s compatriot Vincent van der Voort has now reacted to his feedback.
The Dutchman claimed his buddy was extra annoyed with himself than Ljubic however mentioned his comment was ‘not crucial’.
Van der Voort instructed the Darts Draait Door podcast: “I believe it was simply frustration together with his personal efficiency, which he took out on his opponent. That’s not proper.
“Ljubic did his best possible on stage, pushed Michael shut, after which will get slapped with a comment like that.
“I do know what Michael’s like, he usually simply says what’s on his thoughts, and that’s a part of his appeal. However on this case, it wasn’t crucial. He might’ve simply mentioned he performed poorly however nonetheless managed to win.”
He continued: “Everyone seems to be liable for their phrases. I’ve mentioned issues I most likely shouldn’t have.”
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Van der Voort additionally revealed he confronted Van Gerwen, who has reacted equally previously.
The previous UK Open finalist added: “I requested him, ‘Was that actually crucial, and are you simply making an attempt to deflect consideration from your self?’
“Michael is just too huge a reputation within the sport to be taking public swipes at somebody like Ljubic.
“He did one thing related with Jules van Dongen in America not way back. And sure, that’s a part of who Michael is, however I nonetheless suppose he ought to select his moments extra fastidiously.”
Van Gerwen went on to lose to Rob Cross in his subsequent match as he exited the occasion within the quarter-finals.
In the meantime, Gerwyn Worth was topped the eventual champion, beating Stephen Bunting within the ultimate on the PreZero Enviornment in Gliwice.
As for Van Gerwen, he’s but to progress past the final eight of a World Sequence occasion to date this yr.
His final win got here on residence soil in January 2024 on the Dutch Darts Masters.