The DRA has issued a £5,000 fine to James Wade for his actions during the PDC World Championship.
Sources have told that darts' disciplinary body have chosen to penalise Wade for his conduct during a second round win over Seigo Asada. The 35-year-old attracted worldwide criticism against the Japanese star, in a game he won 3-2. Comments by the PDC world number nine added heat to the flame of controversy. “I kept giving it to him and I wanted to hurt him. I wanted to really hurt him in his face. It wasn’t a great game but I wanted to hurt him and I wanted to progress. "That’s for my son, and also for the UK," Wade told Sky Sports after the game on December 19.
"I am disappointed with myself"
In the aftermath of the match, during which time Wade was accused of "bullying" his opponent, the Englishman issued
an apology in a statement.
"Anyone that has followed my professional career will know that this was very out of character for me. I am disappointed with myself in the way I acted both on the stage and in the interviews after the match," the statement read.
A known bipolar disorder sufferer, Wade also explained that he had been struggling with the illness preceding the game.
"I was fighting a battle with myself before I even got on the stage due to a hypo mania episode which can happen to me at any time and no one is more upset than I am about what happened.
"I would like again to apologise and hope that people can understand how remorseful I am."
DRA controversy
The
DRA's decision to fine Wade £5,000 will certainly come under close scrutiny. In recent times, the committee has been widely criticised for high-profile decisions on player infringements. Gerwyn Price was hit with the after his Grand Slam of Darts victory in November. A total of £21,500 was paid by the Welshman in recompense for conduct during his quarter final win over Simon Whitlock and a hot-tempered final against Gary Anderson. Social media comments after the tournament were also taken into account. Another fine questioned was against Mickey Mansell, who for allegedly failing to play to the best of his ability.