In the electric atmosphere of the 2025 Poland Darts Masters in Gliwice, a fiery moment unfolded that briefly stole the spotlight from the dartboard. Michael van Gerwen, the three-time PDC World Champion, sparked controversy after a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Croatian underdog Pero Ljubic in the first round. Frustrated by his own lackluster performance, Van Gerwen unleashed a scathing post-match tirade, branding Ljubic a “pub player” and dismissing his skills with biting remarks. “It wasn’t a good game at all. Pero needs to be happy that he won one leg. Pero is not a good player. Pero is a pub player — we all know that,” Van Gerwen said, adding, “I’m not harsh — he is a lovely man, but when you throw treble 12 for treble 20, then you need to go back to the dartboard.” The comments ignited a firestorm online, but Ljubic’s gracious response and Van Gerwen’s immediate apology revealed a deeper story of respect and resilience in the high-stakes world of professional darts.
Van Gerwen, ranked No. 3 in the PDC Order of Merit, entered the match as a heavy favorite against Ljubic, who languished 140 places below him in the rankings. Expectations were high for the Dutchman, whose blistering averages and clinical checkouts have defined his storied career. Yet, the match was anything but routine. Van Gerwen struggled, averaging just 84.71 and landing only six of 19 checkout attempts, a paltry 31.6% success rate. Ljubic, a 47-year-old veteran who earned his PDC Tour Card in recent years, capitalized on the opportunity, pushing Van Gerwen to the brink in a tense 6-4 battle. “I’m the one to blame. But I made Pero look good today. Pero won a few legs, and it feels like his birthday!” Van Gerwen quipped, his frustration palpable as he reflected on his subpar performance.
The “pub player” jab stung, drawing sharp criticism from fans and media who viewed it as disrespectful. Social media erupted, with one fan lamenting, “MVG’s comments were uncalled for — Pero held his own!” Yet, Ljubic quickly turned the narrative around with a display of sportsmanship that won hearts. In a post-match interview, the Croatian revealed Van Gerwen’s immediate remorse. “Michael apologised to me straight away. We know each other well, and I know he meant no harm,” Ljubic said, urging fans to show leniency. “Don’t be too quick to judge — emotions can take over in moments like that.” He emphasized their longstanding camaraderie, noting, “Michael and I have known each other for a long time — we like to have a laugh. There was no bad intention behind his words.”
Ljubic’s response went beyond forgiveness, as he praised Van Gerwen’s character. “In fact, during a later chat, he even gave me some motivation. He’s a genuinely decent guy and a top-class player,” he said, adding, “For me, what matters most is someone’s honesty — not what the internet says.” The Croatian’s class shone through, as he acknowledged Van Gerwen’s frustration stemmed from his own high standards. “He was just frustrated with his own performance, and I understand that,” Ljubic explained, highlighting the intense pressure top players face. His words painted a picture of a sport where raw emotion and fierce competition coexist with mutual respect.
Van Gerwen’s journey in the tournament ended in the quarterfinals, where he fell to Rob Cross, while Gerwyn Price claimed the title in a thrilling 8-7 final against Stephen Bunting. The incident, however, lingered as a talking point, showcasing the human side of darts. Van Gerwen, who has faced personal challenges in 2025, including a high-profile split from his wife Daphne and injuries that forced him to withdraw from events like the Baltic Sea Darts Open, has been under scrutiny. His friend Vincent van der Voort recently expressed concern over his lack of “aggression or passion,” making Van Gerwen’s emotional outburst a rare glimpse into his competitive fire. As he prepares for the World Matchplay in Blackpool, facing Raymond van Barneveld in a blockbuster first-round clash, Van Gerwen’s apology and Ljubic’s magnanimity remind fans that even in darts’ heated moments, sportsmanship prevails.
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