Michael van Gerwen was punched in the face by a stranger during a bar incident in the Netherlands on Monday.
The altercation took place in Den Bosch during King’s Day celebrations, a major public holiday in the country. Footage shared online shows Van Gerwen speaking with a man and a woman before the attacker suddenly struck him. Security staff quickly intervened and pulled the individual away, while the Dutchman briefly pursued him across the venue.
Van Gerwen reacts to incident
The former world number one said the attacker appeared intoxicated and that the situation escalated without warning.
According to Van Gerwen, the man later apologised through social media, acknowledging his mistake. The 37-year-old also admitted his own reaction—chasing the attacker—was instinctive and driven by shock.
Despite the incident, Van Gerwen has decided not to take legal action.
Back to action on the oche
The incident occurred shortly before Van Gerwen returned to Premier League Darts action in Aberdeen, where he was beaten 6-3 by Luke Humphries in their quarter-final clash.
Van Gerwen remains one of the sport’s most decorated players, having dominated the rankings for several years and winning multiple major titles, including a record run at the Masters.
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