• World Darts Championship

'Ashamed' Taylor sorry for Barney with Raymond

ESPN staff
December 31, 2012
Phil Taylor was not happy with the way Raymond van Barneveld grabbed his arm at Alexandra Palace © PA Photos
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Phil Taylor has welcomed the PDC to "throw the book" at him following his "disgraceful" showdown with Raymond van Barneveld at the World Darts Championship.

Taylor edged the Dutchman 6-4 in a high-pressure semi-final that saw Van Barneveld close a 5-1 deficit to trail 5-4. When Taylor eventually won, the pair began to argue following a handshake, with The Power eventually storming off stage.

Van Barneveld's forceful handshake appeared to be at the centre of the spat, with Taylor claiming his arm was yanked by the big Dutchman. Nevertheless, the 15-time world champion admits his actions did nothing for the image of the sport.

"I reacted disgracefully and I feel terrible," Taylor told Sky Sports. "Whatever the PDC decide, chuck the book at me, they can do whatever they want to do.

"It's upset me of course it has. To put the record straight, Raymond is a very strong lad and when he shook my hand and pulled me he hurt me a little bit.

"I have texted Raymond and I have spoken to him and there is nothing else I can do really, only apologise for it. It will never happen again.

"I'm ashamed because I really like Raymond. He loves me to bits and that's why I am really hurt about it because we both think a lot about each other. But we get over it and we move on."

Taylor will play Michael van Gerwen in Tuesday's final.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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