Petersen responds to Nieuwlaat comments: "To say that I ‘only sell shirts’ is a very silly comment"

Devon Petersen has responded after comments from Dutch darts commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat which covered a myriad of topics relating to his form including the sale of merchandise and working with Wayne Mardle.

In a lengthy statement released on his social media accounts, Petersen discussed each point in turn saying that he is still working with Mardle and that he has minimal involvement in the merchandise selling on his platforms.

"It is a shame that people feel the need to make these kind of judgements and publicise them with almost no knowledge of those who they are criticising or their circumstances. If the person making these statements was a well informed pundit in our sport then he would know that I am still working with Wayne Mardle today. I have also been practicing as hard as ever to rediscover my form. To say that I ‘only sell shirts’ is a very silly comment," said Petersen.

"Devon Petersen merchandise gets sold. So does merchandise of many other players. My management team coordinate this for me - I have almost no involvement except for occasional posting on social media.

"My interactions on social media are part of my downtime. I enjoy engaging with my friends and followers from the general public. There are 24 hours in a day. I can’t practice for all of them!

"It is part of my profession to listen to and accept criticism of my game. To question my commitment to being a dart player is another thing entirely. I moved my family from South Africa to the UK to play in the PDC.

"I would like to thank all of my family, friends and colleagues whom I am working with to try to get back to my best. They know the effort I am putting in."