'Are you just trying to deflect attention from yourself?' - Michael van Gerwen questioned after 'pub player' outburst towards Pero Ljubic

Michael van Gerwen may have opened his Poland Darts Masters campaign with a 6-4 win over Croatia’s Pero Ljubić, but it wasn’t the result that grabbed headlines. Instead, it was a post-match comment from the Dutchman that drew widespread criticism. Van Gerwen referred to Ljubić as a “pub player” — a jibe that didn’t sit well with many in the darts community, including close friend and fellow pro Vincent van der Voort.

Speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort suggested Van Gerwen’s outburst stemmed more from personal frustration than genuine critique. “I think it was just frustration with his own performance, which he took out on his opponent,” Van der Voort said. “That’s not right. Ljubić did his absolute best on stage, pushed Michael close, and then gets slapped with a remark like that. What more could he have done?”

While Van der Voort acknowledged that Ljubić has struggled for form since earning his Tour Card in January — failing to register a win on the floor circuit until mid-May — he still felt the comment was unwarranted.

“I know what Michael’s like — he often just says what’s on his mind, and that’s part of his charm. But in this case, it wasn’t necessary. He could’ve just said he played poorly but still managed to win. Everyone is responsible for their words. I’ve said things I probably shouldn’t have too — it happens.”