Gerwyn Price apologises after appearing to mock disabled people as PDC World Darts star labels gesture ‘spontaneous’
GERWYN PRICE has apologised to PDC officials for what he called a “spontaneous gesture” on the oche.
During the final set of his 4-1 win over Jose de Sousa on Thursday evening, the Iceman turned to the camera, pulled a silly face by pushing out his chin and raised two limp wrists in frustration at a poor throw.
Darts fans on social media slammed Price, 37, for appearing to mock a disabled person with one calling it “disgusting behaviour”.
Sky Sports’ presenter Emma Paton later issued an apology live on air in case anyone had taken offence when it happened on live television.
Following the fourth-round match, Price said sorry to darts chiefs but insisted he had not intended to cause any distress.
SunSport understands the incident will NOT be referred to the Darts Regulation Authority – the disciplinary body for the sport – and the world No1 will avoid any sanctions.
Besides what he has said in private, there has not yet been any public message on his social media channels.
A PDC spokesperson said: “Gerwyn has been reminded of the standards expected of him as a professional.
“He has stressed to us that it was a spontaneous gesture and he did not intend for it to cause offence.
“He is upset to think that anyone may think otherwise and would like to apologise sincerely for any distress he may have caused.”
Irish activist and sports journalist Joanne O’Riordan has a rare condition known as Total Amelia – which means she was born without all four limbs – and she slammed Price’s behaviour.
She tweeted: “I know Gerwyn Price has a love to hate personality but for me, as a person with a disability who loves darts, this is extremely disturbing.
“If you want the 101 on life with a disability Gerwyn Price happy to have a chat after the World Darts Championship!”