Raymond van Barneveld has let Romeo Grbavac off the hook after the Croatian darts ace used his walkout song at this year’s World Championship.

Grbavac came under fire on Thursday afternoon when he walked out to the iconic ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor for his first-round match against Callan Rydz.

It sparked controversy online, with Van Barneveld even getting in on the act. Posting on X, the five-time world champion wrote “Erm….” alongside a confused face emoji.

Keen to ensure his followers knew exactly what he was referencing, the Dutchman also included emojis of wandering eyes and a tiger. Safe to say he wasn’t best pleased!

But that appears to be water under the bridge now, with Van Barneveld returning to social media to clear the air with Grbavac and reassure the Ally Pally debutant all is well.

Posting a screenshot of the message his opponent had sent him, Van Barneveld said: “Ok all is forgiven pal,” accompanied by a laughing and a thumbs-up emoji.

Grbavac, clearly hoping to stay on the right side of the darting legend, had said in the Instagram direct message: “Hello Barney, this song wasn’t my choice and I don’t know why they played.”

Van Barneveld will get to use his own walkout song when he takes on Welshman Nick Kenny on Saturday night.

The tune didn’t prove a good luck charm for Grbavac though, as he went on to lose against an in-form Rydz.

But, the victorious Englishman hit the headlines himself during his post-match interview, with Rydz bizarrely labelling himself a ‘fruitcake’.

“I’m a fruitcake, I’ll happily admit it. I’m an absolute nutcase but…it’s like I’ve said to a few people, if I waited five seconds, nothing gets said, but it’s just my personality. I like to show emotion.”

“I don’t like to give it. I hate giving it. I think it just drains the energy out of you.

“But when I get beat I think I can show a bit more respect to everyone and if I’ve disrespected anyone I’d like to apologise I now because I don’t think I’m a disrespectful person.

“I do need to see someone about that. Maybe I need to speak to someone and yeah… get off the stage so the cameras aren’t there….and do whatever. That’s one thing I need to work on and I’m trying.”

Elsewhere at the Palace, Stephen Bunting and Michael van Gerwen headline Friday’s action, as the first and second rounds continue in north London.

World Championship favourite Luke Littler features for the first time in this year’s tournament on Saturday night,