Sky Sports issued an apology after Michael van Gerwen referred to himself as an ‘old b******’ after his World Darts Championship final defeat.
Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest ever world champion in the sport was smashed on Friday night as he suffered a chastening 7-3 defeat to Luke Littler at Alexandra Palace.
Littler stormed into a 4-0 lead and despite a brave fightback from the Dutchman, the 17-year-old prevailed to claim his first World Championship title.
Van Gerwen rued his slow start to the showpiece match but was magnanimous in defeat as he hailed Littler.
However, Van Gerwen was guilty of dropping a curse word during his post-match interview.
Ruing his slow start, Van Gerwen said: “I come 4-0 behind… I thought I wasn’t doing myself any justice, but that’s how it is.
“Then you need to fight and battle back. I think after the 4-0 I think I was definitely not the worst player.
“But fair play to him. Every chance he got, every moment he had to hurt me, he did it.
“I sometimes say that every 17 years a star gets born, and he’s one of them.”
Van Gerwen later added: “I’m an old b****** compared to him!”
Sky reporter Abigail Davies swiftly issued an apology after Van Gerwen’s curse word.
Littler was able to keep his mouth in check after the euphoria of winning the title.
He told Sky Sports: “I can’t believe it. We both played so well.
“I’ve said in interviews that I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I did. But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots – he’d hit two trebles and I’d have to come back with two or three.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You’ve got to get through a tough field. I can’t believe it.
“I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled.
“At 2-0 up [in the final set] I started getting nervous but I said to myself to just relax. I was throwing for the match and to get it over and done with then was special.”