Premier League Darts: Daryl Gurney and Gerwyn Price clash on stage as rivals nearly come to blows ‘like kids’

Pair were involved in a fierce exchange after their 7-7 draw in Sheffield on Thursday night, but world No 1 Michael van Gerwyn saw the funny side of things

Premier League Darts rivals Daryl Gurney and Gerwyn Price came close to blows during Thursday night’s eventful meet in Sheffield, only for former world champion Michael van Gerwen to see the funny side of it and claim they were acting “like kids”.

The two both saw their hopes of reaching the semi-finals suffer a blow on the penultimate week as they drew 7-7, but that was the least of their concerns.

After throwing the match-levelling dart to end the contest, Northern Ireland’s Gurney angrily pointed at Welshman Price, before raising his clenched fist.

Price responded by offering a handshake towards his opponent before appearing to pull Gurney towards him, leading to an exchange of words between the pair and plenty of pointing, shoving and angry gesticulations.

Gurney appeared particularly upset with Price during the flare-up, and Price revealed afterwards that he had been accused of talking during Gurney’s throw.

“To be honest I don’t understand what happened, why it happened,” Price said afterwards.

“He reckons that I’m talking, if I want to gee myself up, I gee myself up, I wouldn’t do it when he’s throwing.

“But each to their own, I’m accused of a lot of things.”

Price and Gurney came close to blows during their Premier League match in Sheffield (Getty)

Price is currently on probation due to receiving a suspended ban last year, having clashed with Gary Anderson at the Grand Slam of Darts. But he believes that is exactly why his opponents are attempting to rile him in an effort to get him banned.

“They know that I’m on, sort of, curfew and I’ve got a month or two left,” Price said. “I don’t know if they’re trying to get me banned or whatever, but it ain’t going to work.

“I shook his hand and I didn’t think there was anything in it. To be honest with you I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t win, but if I lost that game I was out and I drew so I’m still in and I’ve got a fighting chance next week so that’s all I’m happy about.”

The feud will continue as Gurney and Price are both still in contention for a top-four finish alongside James Wade and Mensur Suljovic ahead of next week’s final week in Leeds before the O2 Arena finals on 23 May.

But having already secured his place in the top two alongside Rob Cross, Van Gerwen saw the funny side of things.

“For them they’re fighting for it, every leg counts for them at the moment,” world No 1 Van Gerwen said.

“Things like that happen, unfortunately, but I’m glad I’m not in that position. Yes [I laughed when I saw it], and I did a little stir up.”