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Michael van Gerwen wrong to slam Peter Wright, says Wayne Mardle

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Wayne Mardle gives his vie on the Michael van Gerwen-Peter Wright spat

Wayne Mardle believes Michael van Gerwen is feeling the pressure after he branded Peter Wright as unprofessional.

The Dutchman slipped to second place in the Premier League table after being restricted to his second successive draw, rescuing a point against Wright in the final leg following an erratic performance in Exeter.

In his post-match interview Van Gerwen again vented his frustrations about his opponent’s playing style, describing Wright as "not professional" after he paused to gee up the crowd before attempting a double.

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Michael van Gerwen described Peter Wright as 'not professional' after their Premier League draw

The previous week, ‘Mighty Mike’ had complained about Adrian Lewis’ slow tempo following their draw and Mardle feels the 25-year-old is struggling to contain his emotions during a demanding campaign.

“I think the pressure is just getting to everyone,” he told Sky Sports. “This is outrageous. What’s happening? They used to get on – darts players.

“The pressure, the money that comes with it and everything else is now telling, but Michael van Gerwen has reacted twice the last two weeks.

“Peter Wright is not just going to roll over, have his tummy tickled and say: ‘I shouldn’t have done that.’ That’s the way he plays the game. He made a comment there: ‘I’m here to entertain as well.’ That’s what he does, he wants to do it.  

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“The fact is, some people like what he does, some people don’t. For me personally, I couldn’t do it, because I would lose my rhythm. Peter Wright loses his rhythm, but he still continues to entertain and do it. Maybe Michael should grow up, I don’t know.”

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Peter Wright responds to Michael van Gerwen's comments by calling him 'a big baby'

Wright has emerged as one of the sport’s showmen in recent years, entertaining the crowd with his flamboyant dress sense and energetic entrances.

Mardle insists ‘Snake Bite’ is the latest in a line of big characters on the oche and did not think he crossed the boundaries with his behaviour. 

“The fact that it is putting Michael off, I find a bit odd,” said Mardle. “As for the unprofessional comment, there is more than one way to play darts.

“Some people just play darts, like Michael van Gerwen, like John Lowe back in the day. Eric Bristow was then unprofessional was he? Jockey Wilson was unprofessional? No, I’m not having that. That’s just a flippant comment that shouldn’t have been made.” 

You can watch highlights of Michael van Gerwen's draw with Peter Wright here.

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