Van Gerwen releases statement after altercation with Worsley

Michael van Gerwen has released a statement after an altercation earlier today at the Winter Series with Jonathan Worsley which saw the latter kicked out of the tournament.

Worsley was set to play Daryl Gurney in the first round but pushed the World Number One after an incident regarding marking after games.

The Welshman was told off for marking in a shirt that doesn't follow the PDC dress code but then spoke to the tournament director about who was marking for Van Gerwen in jeans and a t-shirt.

Van Gerwen addressed this in his statement and did admit that like Worsley's post said he did call him a rat and that Worsley did try pushing him. He said also that as a result of this, there was only going to be one outcome in terms of Worsley getting kicked out.

"After seeing many things placed and said on social media over the last few hours. I have a short statement to make."

This morning at the PDC Winter Series, Jonathan and myself did have crossed words over the marking of games at the Winter Series. The reason the PDC Tournament Director had words with him, as he wanted to mark in a rugby shirt, not just a regular shirt.

I admit to calling him a rat in the exchange of words. We are all colleagues, he could have come and had a quiet word with me if he felt there was a problem.

When we were outside, I was still unhappy that he had not come to me first, and our discussion continued. Yes again, I did call him a rat. At this point, Jonathan tried to lay his hands on me, that was seen by colleagues. The way they dealt with it was very professional.

The PDC spoke with everyone who was there, and we all know once that has happened. There is only one outcome. You will be removed from the tournament. It is as simple as that. We all know that you can not place your hands on another player as he did.

We all know this. he way everything was dealt with today was very professional. As far as I am concerned, the matter has now been dealt with by the PDC and we move on. All my focus is now on the Grand Slam, and I will not be answering any further questions on the matter."