Sky Sports was forced to issue an apology as Michael van Gerwen let slip an expletive during a live interview after claiming the opening night of the 2026 Premier League in Newcastle on Thursday.
The seven-time champion appeared genuinely puzzled when presenter Wayne Mardle handed him the redesigned nightly winner's trophy, asking "What is it?" before the penny dropped.
Mardle reminded him: "The winners of weeks get something. You didn't get any last year."
Van Gerwen's response was instant and unfiltered: "About f***ing time."
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The Dutchman quickly caught himself, offering an immediate apology on air: "Oh sorry, sorry for the language. Sorry. About time I win something."
Host Emma Paton also apologised to viewers.
Darts fans were loving it, however, with many amused.
One said:"Good old MVG and glad that @WayneMardle saw the funny side…”
Sky Sports was forced to issue an apology as Michael van Gerwen let slip an expletive during a live interview
|GETTY
Another wrote: "It’s 10:30 at night. Why is Emma Paton apologising for Van Gerwen swearing?"
And a third added: "That Van Gerwen interview was class."
The triumph at the Utilita Arena marked Van Gerwen's first nightly victory since Night 11 in Birmingham back in April 2024, ending a barren spell of nearly two years.
The world No 4 had endured a torrid 2025 campaign, failing to secure a single night win and missing out on the O2 Arena finals entirely.
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Michael van Gerwen returned to winning ways
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His return to winning ways came against fellow Dutchman Van Veen, who had impressed on his Premier League debut by eliminating world champion Luke Littler in the quarter-finals.
Van Gerwen established a 3-1 advantage before Van Veen mounted a challenge, but the veteran held firm to seal a 6-4 victory.
Van Gerwen's route to the final began with a commanding 6-2 quarter-final triumph over Stephen Bunting, rattling off six consecutive legs after falling behind 2-0.
He then faced world No 2 Luke Humphries in the semi-finals following Humphries' narrow 6-5 victory against Gerwyn Price.
Five things to know about the sport of darts | PAThe Dutchman pulled clear in a closely contested encounter, sealing his place in the final with a clinical 114 checkout.
Van Veen's journey to the showpiece was equally impressive, defeating Littler 6-4 in a rematch of this year's World Championship final before dispatching 2021 champion Jonny Clayton with an 11-darter in the deciding leg.
Van Gerwen said: "Mentally, I’m strong and I know what I’m capable of. As long as you keep on your own ability and performances, I know I’m capable of doing this. Last year I had a very crap Premier League, if I can say that. As long as you keep believing your own ability anything is possible.
"I’m going to give it a go, I’m going to challenge anything that comes in my path. I want to beat them, simple as that. It’s a very long route, but winning games is the best medicine for your form and everything. As long as you keep battling your own battles, winning games, you get confidence then (that) anything is possible."
He now sits atop the standings, two points clear of Van Veen.
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