James Wade showed a more aggressive side on Wednesday night and it did not go down well.
Wade survived a scare to claim a 3-2 victory over Seigo Asada during their second round match at the PDC World Darts Championship but the Englishman has come in for plenty of criticism for his behaviour onstage.
Japan’s Asada was perfectly respectful throughout the contest but the same could not be said for Wade, who aggressively shouted in Asada’s ear when celebrating his second set win.
It was a fiery performance from Wade, the ninth seed in the annual tournament, and he was unapologetic in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
The Machine hits back! ⚙️
Wade shows tremendous quality to close out the set with 10 and D8.
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/oBngD5seUy #LovetheDarts pic.twitter.com/O22t19uJ4u
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 19, 2018
“I kept giving it to him, I wanted to hurt him, I wanted to really hurt him in his face,” a grinning Wade said.
“It wasn’t a great game but I wanted to hurt him and I wanted to progress. That’s for my son, and also for the UK.”
"I wanted to hurt him, I wanted to really hurt him in his face."
Some bizarre post-match comments from James Wade after his tie-break win over Seigo Asada.
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/oBngD5seUy #LovetheDarts pic.twitter.com/NdI3k5mLX9
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 19, 2018
In the studio afterwards, 2008 BDO World Champion Mark Webster suggested that Wade would look back on his antics and feel embarrassed for trying to intimidate a relatively inexperienced opponent while four-time World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle was appalled by the showing.
“Does he mean he wanted to punch him in his face? What does he mean? I’m absolutely lost for words,” Mardle said.
“That’s just not on. The intimidation, being overly aggressive. That is putting yourself upon someone. That’s bullying and that’s just nasty.
"Does he mean he wanted to punch him in his face? What does he mean? I am absolutely lost for words."@Wayne501Mardle is astonished after an explosive post-match interview from James Wade.
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/oBngD5seUy #LovetheDarts pic.twitter.com/gvpC5bhEhP
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 19, 2018
“I hope he wakes up in the morning and thinks, ‘I’ve made a mistake there’.
“He can’t think that’s right and no-one watching it can think that’s right. And if they do… that’s thuggish behaviour, there’s no place in darts for that.”
Social media had a similar reaction, slamming the behaviour of Wade, who will face either Jelle Klaasen or Keegan Brown next.
https://twitter.com/johnygail/status/1075525196088532993
@OfficialPDC He did it again at the end to Seigo Asada. After Asada had just bowed to this thug. I don’t usually watch darts but have been enjoying the tournament. This behaviour shouldn’t be allowed in any sport without repercussions #JamesWade #wadeout pic.twitter.com/JzmqkVzKlN
— Mr Blue (@immisterblue) December 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/BartoDFC/status/1075523721794871296
https://twitter.com/SeaneyB86/status/1075523075658170373
James Wade is just a wanker. End of. Always has been a classless cunt. Can’t stand the man. #WorldDartsChampionship
— Michael Mundell (@MikeMundell96) December 19, 2018
WTF was James Wade doing at the end of the 2nd set. No need to be aggressive like that to asada! No need for it in darts at all #WHDarts @OfficialPDC
— Michael Cox (@mic65432) December 19, 2018
Compare the graceful, well mannered Japanese there to the bashful and cocky James Wade #lovethedarts but also #humility
— The Punters Pal 💸 (@ThePuntersPal1) December 19, 2018
No need for James Wade’s actions there after winning a set, totally unacceptable!! That’s why some fans can’t stand him!! Surely something has to be done like a fine!! #WHDarts @OfficialPDC
— Carl Robinson (@carlrobinson180) December 19, 2018
Wow poor gamesmanship from James Wade there shouting in Asada’s face. The guys having the game of his life, is polite and playing his own game and Wade shots in his face? Looks bad #PDCWorldChampionship
— Hojack Borseman (@Mallucheithl) December 19, 2018
He did it for his country………..
James Wade doesn't half talk some shite.Even the commentators are embarrassed by it.#PDCWorldChampionship— Paul (@pcadam1) December 19, 2018
James Wade is a fucking twat! ‘Did it for my country’ it’s not world war 2! Moron! #WHDarts
— Nathan Wicks (@nathwicks85) December 19, 2018
100% James Wade doesn’t celebrate like that against @Gezzyprice or any of the Top 10 to be fair. #Shithouse #Bully #Wade https://t.co/TFDU06dg8q
— Craig Boot (@CraigBoot85) December 19, 2018
