British darts player Adrian Lewis has broken his silence following an incident during the Coral UK Open Qualifier One on Friday February 2. 

During the quarter-finals of the competition, a series of altercations between the Brit and Jose Justicia led to an intervention from the authorities present there. 

It all began with Lewis getting in the Spaniard's way following a throw and it reignited at the conclusion of the match with the man from Stoke-on-Trent appearing to shove the Valencia native on the chest. 

As a result of the incident, the Darts Regulation Authority released a statement whereby suspending Lewis with immediate effect and promising a full investigation into the matter. 

Although, the body granted the player the right of appeal. 

Adrian Lewis said on February 8: "I am now in a position to issue a statement as the due process has taken place and the Darts Regulation Authority have had their hearing."

"I deeply regret that my frustrations got the better of me as I felt that my opponent was trying to provoke me.

"I realise now that I should have reported any problems to Tournament Officials instead of confronting Jose Antonio Justicia Perales after the match.

"I would like to offer my sincere apologies to the PDC, the sponsors of the event Coral, my own sponsors who I thank for their loyalty and support, my manager, darts fans and finally my family.

"I would like to say a big thank you for all of the kind messages sent to me from all over the world, and now I just want to put this all behind me and concentrate of playing the game I love and trying to make my way back to the top.

Because of the altercation, Lewis has been fined £3,000 and given a suspended three-month ban.

Some may feel Lewis has got off lightly considering he grabbed his opponent by the neck.