Price Handed Biggest-Ever DRA Fine

Gerwyn Price has been hit by the biggest-ever darts fine of £21,500 after his fiery Grand Slam final clash with Gary Anderson. The Welshman and Anderson were involved in a controversial match in Wolverhampton in November. The match overflowed with passion, Price produced what some called over-zealous celebrations while the Scot responded at one stage by pushing his opponent. Now The Iceman has been given a trio of fines amounting to a record £21,500 relating to his conduct at the Grand Slam and subsequent social media posts. The Scottish star, meanwhile, was found to be in breach of the rules when he pushed Price and has been given just a formal warning. The two players were referred to the Darts Regulation Authority, who revealed Price's behaviour "drew an unprecedented number of complaints from members of the public". Price was fined £12,000 for “Bringing the sport into disrepute and gamesmanship” in the final, as well as a further £8,000 for the same offences in his Quarter-Final clash with Simon Whitlock. The Welshman was also fined £1,500 for subsequent posts on social media and warned as to his future behaviour. A three-month ban has also been imposed on Price, suspended for six months until July 11, 2019, meaning should he be found guilty of any further breaches of DRA rules within that time frame, a three-month suspension will take effect immediately. Both players have 14 days to lodge an appeal against the decisions of the tribunal. The DRA defines gamesmanship as: “Any action carried out by a Player during an Event that is intended to gain an advantage by putting off an opponent”. Price has stated since the Slam win: “It only seems to become a problem when you start winning or start beating people you are not expected to beat. “For example, I played Gary in the Masters, in Scotland in his own backyard in the World Series Finals and I lost to him. “My game was exactly the same and nothing was ever said”. “I go and play my game in the Grand Slam which I do every single time and I’m a bad person. “I do it all the time. Some people like it and some don’t. I’m not bothered. “It just seems when you are winning, it appears a problem. “It feels great to be a PDC Major winner. There’s been a bit of a dampener on it over social media, but I shut my front door and I’m enjoying the trophy on my mantlepiece, so happy days.” By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)