Darting superstar Michael van Gerwen was punched in the face by a stranger in a bar fight on King’s Day – a public holiday in the Netherlands.
Shocking footage shared online has emerged of the three-time world champion being punched in the face during a fight in a bar.
Van Gerwen can be seen talking with a man and a woman in a bar in the city of Den Bosch, when the man suddenly hits the Dutch star in the face.
The 37-year-old attempted to pursue the aggressor but was stopped as two security guards apprehended the man.
He told Dutch sport news website Sportnieuws.nl: “That man had clearly had too much to drink and it felt to me like his anger came out of nowhere.
“Just as he seemed to be heading for the exit, he suddenly lashed out. Of course, it’s not right that I went after him. But that was an automatic reaction.
“That man clearly knows he was in the wrong because he apologised via Instagram.”
Van Gerwen has decided not to press charges against the person responsible.
His management, MODUS Sports Management, released a statement addressing the viral footage, revealing that their client had not provoked the man and was not to be blamed.
The statement read: “We are aware of footage circulating of an incident involving Michael van Gerwen.
“He did not provoke the situation and was not at fault. As this is a private matter, we will not be commenting further.”
Van Gerwen was back in Premier League action in Aberdeen on Thursday where he suffered a quarter-final exit to Luke Humphries.
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Speaking on Love The Darts, Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy debate who is the best Dutch darts player of all time
What’s happening on Premier League Night 14 in Leeds
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues in Leeds, as Luke Humphries targets a third consecutive triumph at the First Direct Arena.
The reigning champion takes on Josh Rock in his quarter-final tie, as league leader Luke Littler begins his latest nightly bid against Van Gerwen in a mouth-watering contest.
Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton go head-to-head in an all-Welsh affair in next week’s opener, while Gian van Veen and Stephen Bunting also do battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Ranking points are awarded per night – with five to the winner, three to the runner-up and two to the semi-finalists – to form the league table from which the top four players will progress to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday May 28.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every single Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
