Darts star Daryl Gurney 'had to be held back by security' backstage after heated clash with Gerwyn Price at the oche at World Matchplay

7 hours ago 2

By LEWIS BROWNING and LUKE POWER

Published: 16:38 BST, 23 July 2025 | Updated: 16:39 BST, 23 July 2025

Darts star Daryl Gurney had to be held back by security after being embroiled in a fiery on-stage clash with Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay on Monday.

'Iceman' Price celebrated heartily after staving off a comeback to win 10-7, unleashing a trademark roar and a barrage of fist pumps to leave Gurney fuming with his opponent.

That led to a tense situation as Gurney sarcastically imitated Price's antics before the duo exchanged words while shaking hands. It's not clear what Price said, though the consensus among amateur lip-readers on X suggests it was: 'Well played buddy'.

As they parted, Price turned back to fire off another verbal hit before milking the celebrations again in front of the fans in Blackpool.

Now, though, it has been reported that the issues continued backstage, with Gurney reportedly watching Price's press conference and having to be held back.

According to Damian Vlottes of the Dutch Darts Draait Door podcast, Gurney was keen to continue their war of words, but was prevented from doing so.

Daryl Gurney reportedly had to be held back by security backstage after his clash with Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay

The two clashed on stage as they took part in a seemingly aggressive handshake and exchanged words

Price appeared to say 'well played buddy' before the duo exchanged further words on stage

He said: 'Gurney was literally at the door with his head round the corner. Two security guards had to hold him back.

'He wanted to confront Price again. He came in swearing.'

Darts star Vincent van Der Voort, meanwhile, added: 'He was ready for a nice, friendly chat. He was absolutely fuming. Still insisting he did nothing wrong, that it was all on Price.

'I only spoke to Daryl afterwards. All he said was "I didn't do anything wrong". He was angry, really angry. There was no calm conversation, he made it clear he's not a fan of Price.

'But I imagine Price would say the opposite. There's so much emotion involved. I don't mind it though, adds spice to the sport. As long as it doesn't turn physical, this sort of tension has its place.

No questions were allowed about the incident to Price in his post-match press conference, but he later posted on Instagram: 'Have to be careful these days, I'm down to cruiserweight.'

Van Der Voort, meanwhile, added that Michael van Gerwen tried to calm the situation.

Price has won five titles this year, more than any other player, and will face Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay, one of the PDC majors. 

Gurney mocked his Welsh adversary, who ultimately won 10-7 at the World Matchplay

He was reportedly waiting for Price while he was carrying out his post-match press conference

Michael van Gerwen is said to have been nearby and stepped in to try and calm the situation

He quickly exited the stage to celebrate, leaving a bemused Gurney alone to throw some of his flights to supporters.

Sky Sports' Mark Webster said: 'Gerwyn Price was taking liberty to Daryl Gurney's mimicking of him [which he had done throughout the contest].

'They're feisty characters, aren't they? It'll get sorted, I'm sure of it. It was just a feisty handshake.'

'Let's not take it away from what was a brilliant game. Price kept it in check until he got that winning leg and Gerwyn Price gets the last laugh.'

It wasn't the first time the duo had clashed, either. In 2019 during their Premier League run, they had to be separated by security after being caught in a shoving match.

They had appeared to put their differences to one side in the World Cup final last month, however, when Gurney's Northern Ireland beat Price's Wales. 

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