Michael van Gerwen’s expletive during Premier League interview prompts Sky Sports apology
Sky Sports issued an apology after Michael van Gerwen accidentally swore during a live interview following his win at the opening night of the 2026 Premier League in Newcastle, reports BritPanorama.
During the interview, presenter Wayne Mardle introduced the newly designed trophy, prompting a bewildered Van Gerwen to ask, “What is it?” before realising the significance of the moment.
Responding swiftly and unfiltered, Van Gerwen exclaimed, “About f***ing time.” He quickly recognised his verbal slip, apologising to the audience: “Oh sorry, sorry for the language. Sorry. About time I win something.” Host Emma Paton also extended an apology to viewers.
Despite the slip, darts fans responded positively, with many taking to social media to express their amusement. “Good old MVG and glad that @WayneMardle saw the funny side…” remarked one fan, while another questioned the need for Paton to apologise, given the late hour of the broadcast.
The triumph at Utilita Arena marked Van Gerwen’s first nightly victory since April 2024, breaking a nearly two-year spell without a win. The world No 4 struggled throughout the 2025 season, failing to secure any nightly wins and missing the O2 Arena finals entirely.
His comeback included a decisive 6-4 victory over fellow Dutchman Van Veen, who had previously gained attention for knocking out world champion Luke Littler. Van Gerwen established an early 3-1 lead, managing to hold off a challenge from Van Veen, ultimately sealing victory.
Earlier in the tournament, Van Gerwen had clinched a 6-2 quarter-final win against Stephen Bunting, recovering from an initial 2-0 deficit. He then faced world No 2 Luke Humphries in the semi-finals after Humphries edged a 6-5 victory over Gerwyn Price.
The evening of darts showcased not just the competitive spirit but also reaffirmed Van Gerwen’s resilience. He mentioned, “Mentally, I’m strong and I know what I’m capable of.” His resurgence places him at the top of the standings, two points ahead of Van Veen.
In the end, this episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live sports broadcasting, where moments of authenticity can resonate powerfully with fans, even if they lead to the occasional need for an apology.
