In a night charged with emotion and unpredictability, the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool became the stage for a dramatic showdown during night 12 of the Premier League Darts. Teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation from Warrington, faced a hostile crowd and a stunning defeat at the hands of Michael van Gerwen, surrendering a commanding 4-0 lead in a quarter-final match that left fans reeling. The electric atmosphere, fueled by Littler’s bold social media taunt and his allegiance to Manchester United, set the tone for a gripping encounter that showcased both his resilience and vulnerability.
Littler, known as “The Nuke” for his explosive style, had anticipated the crowd’s reaction. A day earlier, he took to social media, posting, “One of the best nights on the Premier League calendar coming up tomorrow, bring on the boos Liverpool.” His words were a nod to his vocal support for Manchester United, a stance that has long ruffled feathers among Liverpool’s passionate fanbase. The rivalry was further inflamed by Littler’s past jabs, including mocking Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to Everton the previous year, as recalled by fellow darts player Stephen Bunting, a proud Liverpool FC supporter. “Last year, I was there as a fan, and he was mocking us for getting beat 2-0 by Everton, and I don’t think people forget stuff like that,” Bunting had noted, hinting at the frosty reception awaiting Littler.
As Littler stepped onto the oche, the Liverpool crowd delivered the anticipated chorus of boos, their voices echoing through the arena. Undeterred, the young star let his darts do the talking, storming to a 4-0 lead against the seasoned Van Gerwen in a race to six legs. His early dominance was a testament to his meteoric rise in the darts world, having already clinched four nightly wins this season and secured the PDC World Championship title earlier in 2025. A stunning 160 checkout in the fifth leg, followed by a defiant nod to the crowd, seemed to signal that Littler was on course for a record fifth nightly victory.
But the tide turned dramatically. Littler missed a crucial dart at the bullseye that would have extended his lead to 5-0, a moment that shifted the momentum. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, seized the opportunity, clawing back to 4-3 with relentless precision. Littler, visibly rattled, gestured to the crowd to quiet down, but the pressure was mounting. In the ninth leg, he missed match darts at tops and double 10, allowing Van Gerwen to level the score. The Dutchman’s experience shone through as he won the next two legs, completing a remarkable 6-5 comeback that silenced the arena and left Littler emotional as he exited the stage.
“I was flying, and then they started booing me, and I lost,” Littler had previously reflected on a similar experience in Germany, hinting at the mental toll of hostile crowds. Despite the setback, Littler remains atop the eight-player Premier League table, his lead intact as he eyes the end-of-season play-offs on May 29. However, a victory by world number one Luke Humphries in Liverpool could narrow his advantage to two points, adding intrigue to the race for the title.
For Van Gerwen, the victory was a lifeline in his quest for a play-off spot. His semi-final clash with Humphries promised more fireworks, while Littler’s defeat served as a reminder of the fine margins in elite darts. The Liverpool crowd, though disappointed by Littler’s exit, also celebrated local hero Stephen Bunting, whose walk-on as a devoted Liverpool FC fan was met with raucous cheers.
Littler’s journey in the Premier League has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. From whitewashing Bunting in Newcastle to navigating boos in Berlin and Dublin, the teenager has proven his mettle while learning to handle the spotlight. As he prepares for the next stop in Birmingham, Littler’s defiance in the face of adversity remains unwavering. “It’s something we’ve all got to deal with,” he said of the boos, a sentiment that underscores his determination to let his darts speak louder than the crowd.