Nijman who impressed so many during the Live League released a statement speaking of his 'regret'; and he apologised for what he called a 'one-off error of judgement'. McKinstry has not yet commented as of time of writing.

"I would like to place on public record my sincere regret and apology for the mistake I made in relation to betting and match-fixing," he said in his statement on the PDPA website.

"I was put under some pressure to lose a match, I agreed to do this." He continued: "I have admitted the offence and take full responsibility for it; and will accept my punishment."

"I should have spoken to my management, the PDPA, DRA or police; when I was put in this position and would advise any other player who finds themselves in a similar position to do that. Instead, I went along with it and made a stupid mistake that I am rightly being punished for."

"It was a one-off error of judgement which I want to put behind me and do everything I can to put right.

I have made private apologies to the people who I have let down, including my family who have backed me through my whole career; my management and sponsors; I want to publicly apologise to them and everybody involved in darts, including fans.

My actions are a personal mistake made by me and not a reflection on the sport of darts. I want to move on, rebuild my career and reputation; and am committed to helping to educate others through my own unfortunate experience; so that this kind of offence can be prevented. I will be making no further comment on this matter at this time."