Mason apologises for Taylor row

Mason (right) exchanged angry words with Taylor after their match

Chris Mason has apologised for his conduct after losing to Phil Taylor at last week's PDC World Championship.

Mason exchanged angry words with the 13-time ex-world champion at the end of the match, with Taylor later claiming that Mason had sworn at him.

"I would like to publically apologise to Phil Taylor for my post-match outburst," said Mason in a statement on the Superstars of Darts website.

"I make no excuses for my behaviour and the words I chose to use."

The 37-year-old Mason also said that he had personally written to Taylor to apologise.

A furious Taylor threatened to quit the sport after the incident which is due to be addressed by the Darts Regulation Authority.

Their last-16 meeting had been billed a grudge match after Mason had been quoted in national newspapers expressing dislike for Taylor and calling him arrogant and materialistic.

I took serious abuse from spectators before the match and in the advertising breaks Chris Mason

Mason's statement added: "I would also like to apologise to the Professional Darts Corporation, the Professional Darts Players' Association and its members and tournament sponsors Ladbrokes for any embarrassment caused by my post-match actions.

"I hope that if any charges are brought against Phil Taylor that it is taken into consideration that I caused his reaction due to him dismissing my efforts in this year's World Championship and in our match."

However, Mason refused to apologise for his altercation with a spectator who barracked him during the match against Taylor.

"I will not apologise for my actions at a member of the audience who barraged me with abuse and personal insults," he said. "'What is the security there for?'

"I took serious abuse before the match and in the advertising breaks. I will not tolerate this from members of the audience and this part of the sport needs looking at, as this is far from the first time this has happened.

"The order we do not receive now resembles a football match with chants of abuse and personal insults. I hope this can be dealt with swiftly and simply."

Mason also revealed that he had turned down an offer to appear in Celebrity Big Brother.

"I feel to receive a considerable amount of money due to the past week's exposure would be in bad taste and undermine my sincere regret," he said.