"I do understand Michael, after a lost match a question like that can fall the wrong way" - Raymond van Barneveld stands up for Michael van Gerwen after altercation with Viaplay

Michael van Gerwen angrily walked out during an interview at Viaplay last Thursday. But fellow starter Raymond van Barneveld is sympathetic to 'Mighty Mike's' action.

Van Gerwen went down 6-2 against Luke Littler in the quarterfinals last Thursday on the seventh day of play in Premier League Darts. Van Gerwen was asked afterwards on Viaplay how it felt to lose anyway with an average of 110. "Raymond (van Barneveld, who was in the studio) can talk about that," Van Gerwen said, referring to their 2017 World Championship match between them.

"That just happens. It's not unimaginable. You know it can happen," responded Van Gerwen, who moments later walked away during the interview.

"I can kind of understand it from Michael," Van Barneveld concurs with his compatriot. "That is, of course, a statistic that is of no interest to him at all. He'll be up again next week and then he'll show again what he can do. And that's a lot."

"We are still indebted to be able to sit at this table thanks to this gentleman. We are tremendously grateful what he does for the sport. Unfortunately, he has had quite a few injuries in recent years. Then I also understand that you can't have this on top of it."

Presenter Bart Nolles retorted to Van Barneveld that he was allowed to ask this question anyway. "I understand your point of view too," Van Barneveld said. "You also have to ask things and you also only hear in your ear what that is. But Michael just lost, then no one is at their best. Not even me. Then a question like that can fall the wrong way."