Daryl Gurney recently addressed his encounter with referee Kirk Bevins following his loss in the Grand Slam of Darts. The Northern Irish player faced a disappointing defeat, losing 5-3 to Czech player Karel Sedlacek on Sunday.
Daryl Gurney’s Reasons for Confronting the Referee
After the match, Gurney explained that his confrontation stemmed from experiencing “abuse” from the crowd. While he expressed dissatisfaction, he clarified that his intentions were not malicious.
Highlighting the Crowd’s Impact
According to Gurney, the noise from the audience made it challenging to communicate with the referee. He shared that he only approached Bevins out of frustration related to the crowd’s behavior.
- Gurney stated: “It looks like I’ve got a bad face on me.”
- He emphasized that he remained polite during the conversation.
- He noted that the loud music exacerbated the situation, making communication difficult.
Clarifying Misinterpretations
Gurney wanted to ensure that there were no misunderstandings regarding his interaction with Bevins. He mentioned that it may have seemed like they engaged in a lengthy chat, but it was a brief exchange.
- “I said I hoped you picked up on it,” Gurney recounted.
- Bevins replied, “I couldn’t hear it,” leading to Gurney’s acceptance of the situation.
Gurney also expressed gratitude towards referees, recognizing their critical role in the game. He aimed to clarify that there were no hard feelings towards the referee, who he viewed as vital for the sport.
Looking Ahead: Gurney’s Next Match
Moving forward, Gurney is scheduled to compete against Luke Littler in his final group match in Wolverhampton on Tuesday. This match will be essential for Gurney as he seeks to advance further in the tournament.
