"People just like to write stories" - Daryl Gurney debunks altercation with referee Kirk Bevins

Daryl Gurney explained after his defeat against Karel Sedláček at the Grand Slam of Darts why he engaged in a conversation with referee Kirk Bevins after the match. The Northern Irishman stressed that there was no conflict, but that he was bothered by comments from the crowd during the match.

The 39-year-old Gurney lost 5-3 to the Czech darter on Sunday and left the stage visibly irritated. According to some spectators, he seemed to seek redress with the official afterwards, but Gurney now wants to correct that impression.

The Northern Irishman stressed that the conversation with Bevins had nothing to do with race management. "I didn't say anything wrong at all. It may seem like I looked angry, but that was mainly because I had a hard time understanding him because of the loud music. We literally had to talk in each other's ear."

According to Gurney, the conversation therefore proceeded in a calm tone. "I asked him nicely, I wasn't rude. I said, 'I hope you heard.' He said he hadn't heard anything, and then I said, 'That's fine.'"

Because the exchange lasted longer than usual, speculation quickly grew that words had fallen between player and referee. Gurney vehemently denies that. "It looked like we had a whole discussion, but people just like to write stories," the Northern Irishman said.

Gurney, known as one of the more respectful players on the circuit, also wanted to express his appreciation to the match officials. "I would never be disrespectful to a caller because they are the best in the world," he said. "They make our job easier and always help us. There was really nothing negative going on."

On Tuesday, Gurney also lost his third pool match against Luke Littler, leaving the two-time major winner in last place in Group E with zero points.