Luke Littler doesn’t think players will walk off stage as a result of booing

Darts Star Luke Littler Addresses Crowd Behavior Concerns

In the world of professional darts, the intensity of competition is often matched by the passion of the crowd. While the roar of the audience can fuel the players, there are instances where the line between enthusiastic support and unsporting behavior can blur. Recently, concerns have been raised about the impact of crowd whistling on players, with some suggesting that it could even lead to players walking off stage. However, rising star Luke Littler, fresh off his victory in Glasgow, believes that such drastic measures are unlikely.

Littler, an 18-year-old sensation, has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in darts. His calm demeanor and exceptional talent have propelled him to the top of the game, earning him a dedicated fan base. However, even Littler has witnessed firsthand the disruptive potential of unruly crowd behavior. During his recent win in Glasgow, he noticed that his opponents, Rob Cross and Luke Humphries, were affected by the whistling that erupted as they were about to throw crucial darts.

“It’s not a good thing for any fans to be whistling, whether it’s me or my opponent,” Littler commented, acknowledging the negative impact of such actions. He pointed to an instance where Cross missed two attempts at double 18, suggesting that the crowd’s whistling may have contributed to the mishap. “You can say it was the crowd’s fault that he missed those doubles because you never see Rob Cross miss double 18,” Littler remarked.

While Littler doesn’t condone the whistling, he remains optimistic that players will not resort to walking off stage. “Well for us players, probably not,” he stated, expressing his belief in the resilience of professional darts players. “Obviously, I wouldn’t want it to happen to anyone,” he added, emphasizing his concern for the well-being of his fellow competitors.

Littler’s perspective is rooted in his understanding of the players’ mindsets. He recognizes that professional athletes are accustomed to dealing with pressure and distractions, and that they possess the mental fortitude to overcome such challenges. “We’ve just got to get on with our job,” Littler asserted, highlighting the players’ commitment to their craft.

However, Littler also acknowledged the possibility of a player reaching their breaking point. “If that was the worst case then I’m sure a player, I don’t know, has he got the right to walk off stage? Maybe, or maybe not,”¹ he speculated. While he hopes it never comes to that, he recognizes that each individual has their limits.

In the event that a player does decide to walk off stage, Littler believes that the responsibility falls on the event organizers and security personnel to address the situation. “If a player does walk off stage, then I’m sure the security, they’ve got to do their job and obviously kick whoever’s doing the whistling out. Just kick them out. And then I’m sure as players, we can get on with² it,” he stated.

Littler’s comments come at a time when crowd behavior in darts has been under scrutiny. While the vast majority of fans are passionate and respectful, there have been isolated incidents of unsporting conduct. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has taken steps to address these concerns, issuing statements emphasizing the importance of fair play and respectful behavior.

Littler’s own experience in Glasgow serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance. While he emerged victorious, he recognizes that the whistling could have easily affected his performance or that of his opponents. As he continues his journey in the Premier League, Littler hopes that fans will focus on celebrating the incredible talent on display rather than resorting to disruptive tactics.

Looking ahead, Littler is focused on his upcoming match against Gerwyn Price in Dublin. Price is one of the few players with a winning record against Littler, having won their last four encounters. However, Littler dismisses any notion of a “bogeyman” complex. “I wouldn’t say he is the bogeyman,” Littler said, exuding confidence. “Obviously he played out of his skin in Bahrain. I couldn’t do much against him really,” he acknowledged, referring to a previous match where Price was in top form.

Littler recognizes the challenge that Price presents, but he remains determined to overcome it. “Obviously he’s played brilliant against me, near enough every time,” Littler admitted. However, he emphasized his focus on his own game. “For myself, I’ve just got to make sure tomorrow night I win that first game and go and get myself some more points on the board,”³ he stated.

As Luke Littler’s star continues to rise, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring darts players and a role model for fans. His calm demeanor, unwavering focus, and respect for the game have earned him admiration from across the darts community. While he acknowledges the challenges posed by unruly crowd behavior, he remains optimistic that the sport can maintain its integrity and sportsmanship. With his talent and maturity, Luke Littler is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of darts, both on and off the stage.