"I'm sorry I didn't thank you" - Martin Schindler apologises to German fans after heartbreaking defeat to Michael van Gerwen at German Darts Grand Prix

Martin Schindler went down against Michael van Gerwen in the semifinals at the German Darts Grand Prix. Suffering from the disappointment, Schindler notably failed to thank the German support in Munich afterwards.

Schindler was visibly disappointed after the 7-2 defeat against Van Gerwen. At first, he did sportingly shake hands with Van Gerwen, but when both men returned toward the audience, Schindler ignored another offered handshake from the Dutchman and quickly left the stage.

On Instagram, 'the Wall' has subsequently come to his senses. "I am doing this story to apologize to the fans in Munich. I'm sorry I didn't thank you guys by waving or something after the match against Michael van Gerwen. You guys were great, you were fantastic. I was really happy with the support," the German number two said. "Don't take it personally, I was obviously very disappointed because I was full of euphoria that I would win the tournament. I didn't, but it's still a great result. You can't forget that. I still have to process it all a little bit, I still have to get over it. But it was still great. Thank you so much for your support."

His manager Ioannis Selachoglou also reacted. "He was a bit frustrated and just didn't register it," he said on German channel Sport 1. "Normally he always treats his opponents with respect, regardless of whether he wins or loses." Selachoglou further revealed that Schindler and Van Gerwen spoke to each other afterwards.