Luke Littler embroiled in controversy following Premier League clash
Luke Littler is having a week he’d probably rather forget, with the darts world number one finding himself at the centre of a storm following his fiery encounter with Gian van Veen at the Premier League in Manchester, reports BritPanorama.
The 19-year-old has faced a wave of criticism from fans after defending his behaviour during the heated quarter-final clash. Van Veen was clearly irritated when he spotted Littler gesturing towards the crowd after missing a match dart in their tense 6-5 encounter.
What followed was a frosty handshake, with Littler then appearing to mime crying and reportedly calling his opponent a “crybaby.” Littler has since offered his side of the story, insisting his fist pump and gestures were aimed at his girlfriend Faith and her father rather than his Dutch rival.
“I did not do it to him. I did it to Faith and her dad, the whole crowd,” he told Online Darts, adding that Van Veen “still has a dart in hand” and should have focused on the board instead of staring back at him.
Fans weren’t buying it, though. “The complete lack of self-awareness is astounding. Narcissism at its peak,” wrote one critic. Another added: “Terrible, could just apologise and say he was wrong. Everyone would respect that. Just lying and taking zero accountability is not a great look.”
To make matters worse for the teenage sensation, rival Luke Humphries couldn’t resist rubbing salt in the wound after Manchester United’s defeat to Leeds on Monday night. Littler is a devoted Red Devils supporter, and the world number two was quick to take to X to gloat, writing, “How we feeling lads?? Hahahahahahaha,” tagging both Littler and fellow United fan Angry Ginge.
Neither took the bait, though another United supporter did respond. Humphries, clearly in good spirits, replied: “You boys will be fine!! We needed it more and you will get champions league anyway.”
It’s been a mixed bag for both players in the darts Premier League this season. Littler currently sits second in the table, trailing leader Jonny Clayton by three points, while Humphries finds himself down in seventh as the defending champion.
The teenage star returns to action on Thursday night in Rotterdam when he faces Gerwyn Price. As for Leeds, their victory at Old Trafford was truly historic – their first league win at the ground since 1981 after 18 attempts.
Such moments illustrate how sportsmanship remains a prominent topic, with young talents in the spotlight often grappling with expectations on and off the stage. In a sport where tempers can flare and rivalries ignite, Littler’s journey will be as much about managing fame as it will be about wielding a dart.
