Michael van Gerwen Responds After Footage of Furious Bust-Up Goes Viral
Footage of the ugly incident has gone viral on social media.
Featured Image Credit: Getty / Twitter
Topics: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, Darts
Ryan Smart
Topics: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, Darts
Michael van Gerwen has spoken out after footage emerged that showed the darts star involved in a bust-up at a kebab shop on Saturday evening.
The three-time world champion is not competing at this weekend's Swiss Darts Trophy, having chosen to withdraw in order to focus on qualifying for the Players Championship finals.
As a result, he had a free weekend - and chose to spend the latter part of his Saturday on a night out.
However, footage emerged of the 36-year-old being involved in a bizarre brawl in a kebab shop.
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Van Gerwen can be seen in an altercation with another man, who appeared to be attempting to throw several punches in MVG's direction.
The Dutchman, who was wearing a black jumper, had to be restrained by several men before tensions were cooled.
It wasn't entirely clear as to what caused the incident, or where the footage was filmed, but Van Gerwen has quickly cleared up the situation.
He told Darts News that the other man involved in the scuffle angrily approached him after the pair had a 'verbal exchange' - but that they cleared the air afterwards.
"After an enjoyable night out, we wanted to grab something to eat, and unfortunately I ended up in a situation you'd rather avoid," he said.
"The man came at me from the kitchen, not the other way around, following a verbal exchange. People are making it sound more dramatic than it actually was, which is a shame.
"As you can see, people stepped in straight away and the situation was resolved. I even spoke with the man's nephew afterwards, and we cleared the air before we left."
Earlier this month, Van Gerwen ended his two-year wait for a major TV title when he defeated Luke Littler to win the World Series of Darts.
The Dutchman brought on to the stage his daughter Zoe, who helped him lift the trophy.
The win was significant for Van Gerwen in more ways than one, given he has had a difficult season.
He is placed in 103rd position in qualification for the Players Championship Finals, which take place in November, having pulled out of several events and suffered early eliminations in others.
At Players Championship 3, Van Gerwen lost in the first round to Irish care worker Michael Flynn, who qualified for the event through his Challenge Tour ranking following the withdrawals of several PDC tour card holders.
But he is set to compete at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester on Wednesday and Thursday as he looks to overhaul the 9.5-point deficit to the top 64 and reach the finals.
World number two Littler could also be in action, as the 18-year-old is only placed in 58th - due to pulling out of the majority of PC events this season - with seven events remaining.