Referees took action to prevent an unusual fine from being imposed on Gerwyn Price during a darts match.
Unbridled Tale: Gerwyn Price and His Disruptive Darts Antics
The flamboyant wanderer, Gerwyn Price, made headlines for all the wrong reasons during his 2018 stint, as he landed himself a whopping £21,500 fine and a three-month suspension from darts.
Price's triumph, the first-ever PDC major win at the Grand Slam of Darts, was overshadowed by his controversial behavior, particularly during the quarter-finals and the final.
In a heated quarter-final clash against Simon Whitlock, Price's fiery attitude was evident, as he celebrated recklessly after coming back from 9-5 down to equalize at 10-10. His exuberant behavior ignited a spat between the two players, prompting referee Russ Bray to instruct Price to tone down his excitement.
Price's antics didn't subside after his victories against Whitlock and Mensur Suljovic in the semis. The Welsh star's conduct in the final showdown with Gary Anderson was even more questionable.
The face-off was marked by constant arguments, slow play, and over-the-top celebrations by Price. In the 15th and 28th legs, the tension boiled over, with Anderson shoving Price in response to his behavior.
The dramatic encounter left many darts enthusiasts and commentators unimpressed, with legendary commentator Wayne Mardle criticizing their actions. Mardle commented on Sky Sports, "It was brewing. It got beyond a darts match. It got ridiculous in the end."
Price defended his actions, claiming Anderson couldn't handle playing him and needed to focus on his game rather than concentrating on Price's celebrations.
Price's unruly behavior eventually led to a hearing by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) in January 2019, where he was fined a record-breaking sum of £11,500. He was fined £8,000 for his behavior against Whitlock, £3,000 for his behavior in the final, and £1,500 for his social media posts after the clash. Anderson received a formal warning.
Despite the hefty fines, Price vowed to appeal the decision, stating, "I don't think I deserve any fine at all." However, he was unable to completely clear his name and had to accept the reduced fine after a successful appeal.
Yet, Price and Anderson's rivalry didn't end there. In the final of the 2021 PDC World Darts Championship, Price once again emerged victorious, claiming his first and only world title with a 7-3 win over the two-time champion at Alexandra Palace.
The notorious Price's tale serves as a reminder of the high stakes, dramatic confrontations, and unconventional antics present in the world of professional darts.
Gerwyn Price's disruptive behavior extended beyond darts, as he was fined £11,500 for his unruly actions during the 2018 Grand Slam of Darts, including boxing, arguing, and slow play. In a different realm, Formula One (F1) races are known for their high-speed competition, but perhaps they could learn a thing or two about drama from the Premier League, where Gerwyn Price's antics made headlines just like in the world of boxing and F1.
