Tempers spill over backstage amid Daryl Gurney and Gerwyn Price fallout

Daryl Gurney had to be held back by security backstage following his altercation with Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay.

The pair were involved in a fiery exchange following their first round contest at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Monday.

After sealing a 10-7 victory, Price unleashed a huge outpour of emotion before having some choice words for Gurney as they exchanged a frosty handshake.

Gurney had mimicked Price’s celebrations during the contest and the tension reached boiling point at the end of the game, with old battle scars resurfacing from their infamous spat in the 2019 Premier League.

As the players left the stage, it has been revealed that Gurney was held back by two members of security staff as he attempted to confront Price – who was undertaking his post-match media duties.

Speaking on the Dutch Darts Draait Door podcast, ex-professional Vincent van der Voort said: “They hated each other a little more today.

“Constantly provoking. There was a bit of mimicking, body language… you could feel the tension rising between them.

“I only spoke to Daryl afterwards. All he said was, ‘I didn’t do anything wrong.’ He was angry—really angry. There was no calm conversation. He made it clear he’s not a fan of Price.”

Co-host Damian Vlottes added: “Gurney was literally at the [interview room] door with his head round the corner. Two security guards had to hold him back. He clearly wanted to confront Price again. He came in swearing.

Van der Voort joked: “He was ready for a nice, friendly chat!”

“He was absolutely fuming. Still insisting he did nothing wrong, that it was all on Price. But I imagine Price would say the opposite.

“There’s so much emotion involved. I don’t mind it though, adds spice to the sport. As long as it doesn’t turn physical, this sort of tension has its place.”

“He was at it throughout, gesturing, little games. That’s fine. But to blow up like that straight after the match, clearly a lot of bottled-up frustration. It’s unfortunate, but at least we’ve got something to talk about now.

“What’s funny is how people get even more worked up the moment they’re held back. The angrier they get, the more dramatic it becomes.”

Van der Voort also revealed that his close friend Michael van Gerwen attempted to defuse the situation, adding: “He came out of the players’ room, he had to play next and said, ‘Come on lads, calm down in the corridor.

Live Darts can confirm that the PDC prevented any questions from the assembled media to Price regarding the incident, and Van der Voort believes such a move is bad for the sport.

“That’s where they fall short, in my opinion,” added the Dutchman. “It’s a shame. Sport is emotion, and this sort of thing happens in every sport.

“Emotion is part of sport. There’s passion, sometimes it spills over. But this doesn’t bring darts into disrepute, it’s just part of the game.

“They’re absolutely allergic to anything negative. Scared stiff. Just let people talk about it, it’s part of the drama.”