Michael van Gerwen has been criticised after calling a rival a ‘pub player’.
The three-time world champion made the remark after beating Pero Ljubic at last weekend’s Poland Darts Masters.
Van Gerwen has been criticised for his recent remarks about an opponentPA Ljubic was called a ‘pub player’ by Van Gerwen after their match last weekendProductionDartsTVVan Gerwen secured a 6-4 first round victory over his Croatian opponent, who is 143rd in the PDC world rankings.
Ljubic had been invited to compete in the event as one of eight Eastern European PDC Tour Card holders.
However, Mighty Mike took aim at Ljubic ability in a brutal post-match press conference.
He admitted: “It wasn’t a good game at all. Pero needs to be happy that he won one leg. Pero is not a good player. Pero is a pub player, we all know that.”
Van Gerwen’s compatriot Vincent van der Voort has now reacted to his comments.
The Dutchman claimed his friend was more frustrated with himself than Ljubic but said his remark was ‘not necessary’.
Van der Voort told the Darts Draait Door podcast: “I think it was just frustration with his own performance, which he took out on his opponent. That’s not right.
“Ljubic did his absolute best on stage, pushed Michael close, and then gets slapped with a remark like that.
“I know what Michael’s like, he often just says what’s on his mind, and that’s part of his charm. But in this case, it wasn’t necessary. He could’ve just said he played poorly but still managed to win.”
He continued: “Everyone is responsible for their words. I’ve said things I probably shouldn’t have.”
Van der Voort has reacted to his friend’s comments and revealed he confronted himGetty Van Gerwen went on to lose in the quarter-finals at the Poland Darts MastersGettyVan der Voort also revealed he confronted Van Gerwen, who has reacted similarly in the past.
The former UK Open finalist added: “I asked him, ‘Was that really necessary, and are you just trying to deflect attention from yourself?’
“Michael is simply too big a name in the sport to be taking public swipes at someone like Ljubic.
“He did something similar with Jules van Dongen in America not long ago. And yes, that’s part of who Michael is, but I still think he should choose his moments more carefully.”
Van Gerwen went on to lose to Rob Cross in his next match as he exited the event in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price was crowned the eventual champion, beating Stephen Bunting in the final at the PreZero Arena in Gliwice.
As for Van Gerwen, he is yet to progress beyond the last eight of a World Series event so far this year.
His last win came on home soil in January 2024 at the Dutch Darts Masters.
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