Sky Sports forced to apologise after Michael van Gerwen loses World Darts Championship final to Luke Littler
Watch now: Luke Littler and Freddie Flintoff on the Bullseye
Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Michael van Gerwen referred to himself as an 'old b*****d' live on air following his 7-3 defeat to Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship final.
Littler delivered as the pre-tournament favourite in what threatened to be a whitewash of a final at the Alexandra Palace.
The 17-year-old quickly rattled off the opening four sets for a commanding lead before Van Gerwen began to find his feet.
But it was too little too late for the three-time world champion as Littler made history with a famous victory.
Michael van Gerwen swore live on TV
SKYSPORTS
Littler was in tears as he walked around the stage to gather himself with Van Gerwen showing his opponent plenty of respect.
And the 35-year-old was gracious in defeat during his interview live on air - but got himself in trouble by swearing.
"I come 4-0 behind and after that I didn't do myself justice but that's the way it is," he said.
"You need to try and fight and battle back but after coming back from 4-0 down I definitely not the worst player out of us but fair play to him.
"Every moment he got to hurt me, he did.
"I sometimes say every 17 years a star gets born and he's one of them.
"Don't get me wrong I had a lovely tournament. I've been battling my own game but that's how it was. You have to take it on the chin and take it as a champion."
He added: "It hurts but that's how it should be.
Luke Littler won 7-3
REUTERS
"I have to move on and make sure I keep playing better.
"I'm an old bastard compared to him but it is what it is, I have to take this on the chin."
Sky Sports presenter Abigail Davies was conducting the post-final interviews on stage and quickly interjected after Van Gerwen's slip of the tongue.
"We are just going to have to apologise for that," she said.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Michael van Gerwen: Painful reason World Darts Championship finalist wears braces and how long he has left
- Michael van Gerwen booed by World Darts Championship final crowd for Luke Littler blockbuster clash
- Luke Littler clinches historic World Darts Championship title after thrashing Michael van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen was no match for Luke Littler
PA
"We are just going to have to apologise for that," she said.
The world title caps a sensational 12 months for Littler, which included also winning the Premier League on his debut.
But the teen has admitted that nothing compares to his first world championship.
"I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing but I picked up the best [trophy]," he said.
"I want to get more than 10 titles this year but if I end 2025 with nothing, I've picked the big one up. "
You may like
