Michael van Gerwen calls Phil Taylor a k**b and fans love him for it

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN called Phil Taylor a "k**b" in a live television interview - and fans praised him for it.

Dutchman MVG hit out at the 16-time world champion after the pair had a falling out at the Grand Slam of Darts.

World No 1 Van Gerwen hammered Englishman Taylor 16-8 in the semi-final in Wolverhampton.

But it was after a celebration by Van Gerwen, who always wears his heart on his sleeve and had just took out 74 to win a leg, that Taylor voiced his disapproval to his former protege.

Speaking of the flashpoint, MVG told Sky Sports: "He tried a few of his tricks, what he always does.

"In the break I wasn't allowed to cheer from my own throw. I don't know why when I finished a 74.

"What can I say? Honestly, you want to know, honestly? I just walked off, had a little nip of my drink.

"He came to me [and said] 'you shouldn't do this, you shouldn't do that'.

"I just said 'you're a k**b again', that's exactly what I said.

"Then he was annoyed at what I said. I don't know why, but something always happens in between our games, after or before.

"But I also think it's our rivalries in our games, because we don't want to lose to each other, we try to present our best all the time.

"Maybe I shouldn’t say it but I still think it was a good game for everyone to watch and that's what is most important."

But MVG was met with approval from viewers.

One wrote on Twitter: "Was already a @MvG180 fan. Even more so now he's called Phil Taylor a k**b."

Another said: "MvG hammering then calling Phil  Taylor a k**b live on Sky Sports. Doesn't get much better than that!"

A darts fan posted: "Van Gerwen calling Phil Taylor a k**b is f***ing fantastic. He's said what we all think."

A fellow user said: "Didn't think I could love @MvG180 anymore, then he goes and calls Taylor a k**b on live TV."

Another fan said: "Haha, only just read that Van Gerwen called Taylor a k**b earlier. Brilliant!"

One wrote: "That's f***ing tremendous and true - Taylor is a k**b!"

Van Gerwen went on to beat Peter Wright in the final to go into next month's world championship as firm favourite.