MICHAEL VAN GERWEN dropped an F-bomb live on Sky after winning the first night of the 2026 Premier League.
The seven-time champion endured a rough season last year and did not secure any night victories.
He even missed out on the finals at the O2 Arena.
And that meant he did not get his hands on the nightly winner’s trophy at all last year.
In fact, his previous win came on Night 11 in Birmingham in April 2024.
But Mighty Mike made the dream start to the new campaign in Newcastle.
He beat Stephen Bunting, Luke Humphries and then compatriot Gian van Veen – who took out Luke Littler in the first round – at the Utilita Arena on Thursday night.
And that saw him presented with the new-look trophy to mark his achievement in the north-east.
But the very different design from previous editions and the fact he had not tasted victory for nearly two years prompted a hilarious, X-rated quip from the Dutchman.
Upon receiving the trophy from Wayne Mardle, a bemused Van Gerwen appeared to ask: “What is it?”
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Mardle explained: “Can I give you this?
“It’s actually quite heavy.
“The winners of weeks get something. You didn’t get any last year.”
Then realising it was the nightly trophy, Van Gerwen joked: “About f***ing time.”
Mardle burst into laughter as Van Gerwen – who could face a Darts Regulation Authority rap for the swear word – immediately realised he was on live TV and sheepishly apologised for the language straight away.
He corrected himself: “Oh sorry, sorry for the language. Sorry.
“About time I win something.”
Despite Van Gerwen’s own apology, host Emma Paton also said sorry.
But darts fans were loving it.
One said: “Good old MVG and glad that @WayneMardle saw the funny side…”
Another wrote: “It’s 10:30 at night. Why is Emma Paton apologising for Van Gerwen swearing?”
And a third added: “That Van Gerwen interview was class.”
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The delighted Dutchman added: “It’s definitely a good start, but without even playing my A-performance, I still won it.
“I had some fantastic finishing in the right moments, or whenever I had to perform on my own leg I did it.
“That makes you win games. There is still a lot to work on and I know I can do better than this, but it just gives you confidence.
“Winning games is the best medicine to perform better.
“It’s always nice to respond well. Of course, in the Masters I had some issues at home with my kids and everything.
“So I had to deal with that. I am also a father, so to bounce back here with the win in the Premier League at Newcastle means a lot to me.
“It’s a nice start and it gives you confidence because it is going to be a long 16 weeks.
“My main priority is not the Premier League, it is the ranking tournaments.
“So I always said after the World Championship, the Premier League is the second biggest tournament for us players.
“But for me personally the UK Open and Matchplay are more important.”
