James Wade clears up viral darts 'farting' video: "I have to defend myself!"

Darts star James Wade has let rip at suggestions that he FARTED during a viral video at the Players’ Championship.

An amusing clip of the 41-year-old surfaced on social media after he took on Callan Rydz in the quarter-finals in Leicester. As Wade made it 6-5 in the tie to secure victory, he walked over to a table, bent at the legs with a sound reminiscent of a fart clearly heard.

The clip triggered ridicule from darts fans. But former Premier League winner Wade insists that the sound came from his shoes as opposed to his backside.

Writing in a column for the Daily Star, he said: “There's no point beating around the bush. On Tuesday, during a run to the semi-finals of the Players Championship 22 event in Leicester, footage emerged of what appeared to be me letting off a fart following my quarter-final win over Callan Rydz.

READ MORE: Luke Littler in line to become millionaire shortly after 18th birthday

READ MORE: Sky Sports at risk of losing PDC darts as Barry Hearn tells them to ‘raise the ante'

“Unsurprisingly, it rapidly spread on social media - and it even made international headlines with the New York Times yesterday (Sept. 25). I have to defend myself, and I am sticking to the story that it was the velcro on my new trainers!

“In all seriousness, I thought the live streams for matches ended as soon as the final dart was thrown. I won't be making that mistake again! On the plus side, I am glad it seemed to brighten everyone's day and people enjoyed a bit of banter on social media afterwards.”

It is not the first time that Wade has spoken out on fart-gate. He also took to social media with the same excuse in the immediate aftermath.

Who will win the Darts World Grand Prix? Share your predictions in the comments below

He jokingly wrote: “I feel I must address a situation following my run to the semi-finals of PC22 today. Footage has emerged of me doing what appears to be a ‘shart’ at the end of one of my matches.

“It was actually the velcro on my new trainers. I now consider this matter put to bed as don't wish to talk about it again.”

Wade will certainly hope he has better luck when he returns to Leicester in a matter of weeks. He is set to take to the oche at the World Grand Prix next month and claims he is confident of victory in the East Midlands given his recent form.

He added: “My darts have actually been really good of late, and I put in some great performances across the two days in Leicester, and I have now secured my place in the World Grand Prix in October - a tournament I really fancy my chances in.

“There are still four events to go before then - the Swiss Open this weekend and three Players Championships in Wigan next week - so I will be using those to sharpen my game further - but this level of practice gives me a great chance of success.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.