Phil Taylor calls for action against abusive spectators as Luke Littler considers quitting
Phil Taylor has urged darts authorities to take stronger action against abusive spectators after Luke Littler revealed he came close to walking away from the Premier League because of hostile crowds, reports BritPanorama.
Littler, who successfully defended his Premier League title last week, was visibly shaken following his victory as he opened up about the significant impact of crowd hostility throughout the competition. The world No 1 faced boos and whistles at several venues, including Rotterdam, Liverpool, Aberdeen, and Leeds.
At one point, the teenager told his girlfriend Faith Millar that he no longer wished to participate in the tournament. Taylor, a 16-time world champion, understands the pressures of performing in front of a hostile audience, having often been cast in the role of a villain during his illustrious career.
The darts icon highlighted the distinction between sporting rivalry and personal abuse, noting that unacceptable behaviour tolerated in arenas would lead to legal consequences in other contexts. “If it was any other walk of life then people would be arrested for it,” said Taylor, “the things we used to get called, you wouldn’t believe.”
Taylor recounted incidents from his own career when spectator abuse became difficult to ignore, admitting, “I never cried but I felt like jumping over the barrier and smashing somebody’s face in a few times.” He expressed concern regarding the impact of such hostility on younger competitors like Littler, emphasizing the emotional toll it could take on someone at the beginning of their career.
“For somebody who’s like 17 or 18 years old, it’s life-destroying,” he remarked. He compared Littler’s plight to that of performers in other fields, questioning why similar abuse would not be tolerated in different entertainment environments. “If Robbie Williams was on stage singing and getting abused, it wouldn’t happen,” he added.
Advocating for stricter sanctions against offenders, Taylor proposed a straightforward solution to the ongoing issue. He stated, “What is the solution? Just throw them out. Hit them in the pocket.” He believes that financial repercussions might deter disruptive behaviour among ticket holders. “They pay for a ticket. If they start whistling and booing and doing whatever they feel like, then out you go. They won’t do it again.”
Taylor and Littler, both sponsored by Target Darts, have developed a close relationship through their shared association with the manufacturer. The 65-year-old expressed his intention to discuss the matter with Littler when they next meet, acknowledging that the experience could either strengthen or hinder Littler’s future in darts. “It can go one of two ways now. It’ll either ruin his career or it’ll make him stronger,” commented Taylor. “But he shouldn’t be abused and I do feel for the lad.”
As the conversation around crowd behaviour continues, it serves as a reminder of the fine line athletes must navigate between rivalry and personal attacks — a challenge that requires attention and action from governing bodies and fans alike.
