Van Barneveld disappointed with some colleagues: 'Doing nothing is a lack of respect'

Raymond van Barneveld said goodbye to his Dutch fans in a packed AFAS Live in Amsterdam on Saturday evening. Barney was overjoyed with the crowd, but was less enthusiastic about his former colleagues.

"Of course I hoped that Michael (van Gerwen) would be here, but that is not allowed by the PDC. They didn't offer cooperation," Van Barneveld told RTL 7.

"And I find it quite disappointing that some players, whom I have known for a few years, send a message sporadically. I got a message from Michael van Gerwen and Vincent van der Voort, and then it ends. Sad. "

"They are all busy with themselves, and I understand that, but because of me they can still play these tournaments," the five-time World Champion said, referring to the Players Championship events this weekend. ''Doing nothing is a lack of respect. Sending a message costs nothing at all, but it shows education and respect if you do.''

The 52-year-old Dutchman had nothing but praise for the audience. "You just hope that people will come. You won't be happy if there's only 200 people in that room, but if a room is full of 3300 people, then that will do something to you. Goosebumps."