Darts:Chris Mason has issued a public apology for his conduct at the end of his Ladbrokes.com World Championship defeat to Phil Taylor last week.
The 37-year-old exchanged angry words with the 13-time former world champion as they shook hands at the end of the match, with Taylor claiming in his post-match interview that Mason had sworn at him and talked to him "like dirt".
The row occurred on the day when, in the build-up to the match, Mason had been quoted in national newspapers expressing dislike for Taylor and calling him arrogant and materialistic.
But with the matter due to be assessed by the Darts Regulation Authority, Kilkenny based Mason revealed in a statement on the Superstars of Darts website that he has tried to make peace with the world number one.
"I would like to publicly apologise to Phil Taylor for my post-match outburst," said Mason. "I make no excuses for my behaviour and the words I chose to use and I have personally written to Phil.
"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 remains unhappy with the order given by the crowd at the Circus Tavern having also exchanged words 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 concluded by revealing he had "declined the offer to appear in Celebrity Big Brother", adding: "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."