Vincent van der Voort confirms Gary Anderson fine for 'aggressive and insulting behaviour' relates to incident with journalist, remarks own notable personal incident

Gary Anderson has been fined £3,000 following an incident at last year's World Matchplay. The Scottish darts legend was sanctioned for “aggressive and insulting behavior” towards a journalist. Vincent van der Voort has now spoken out about the penalty imposed.

Earlier this week, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) published a list of players who were fined in recent times. Gary Anderson’s name was on it as well. Of the total £3,000 fine, £1,000 was suspended.

This means Anderson not only receives a financial sanction, but is also made aware that his conduct at the prestigious tournament does not go without consequences. The 55-year-old Scot is usually known for his performances at the oche, but during the World Matchplay he found himself in the spotlight for different reasons.

Van der Voort believes Anderson crossed a line. At the same time, the Dutchman appears some past with issues with journalists remarking on a confrontation himself. Van der Voort once had a serious confrontation. That situation escalated, but Van der Voort looks back on it with a great degree of hindsight: "I once collared that journalist. But looking back, he was right," the Dutchman said on the podcast 'Darts Draait Door'. With that, Van der Voort looks back with some self-reflection on the remarkable incident from the past.

Van der Voort’s statement also offers a particular perspective on Anderson’s situation. As a former pro, he knows how high emotions can run in the darts world. Especially at major tournaments, there is heavy pressure on players while they are constantly followed by media, fans, and other stakeholders.

Yet Van der Voort believes those circumstances are no excuse to cross certain boundaries. That Anderson has now been fined is therefore understandable, according to the Dutchman. The disciplinary measure should make clear that players remain responsible for their behavior, even when emotions run high.

For Anderson, the matter is for now settled with a significant financial hit. The Scot will no doubt prefer to focus on his performances again, but he knows that his behavior during the World Matchplay still carries consequences.