Luke Littler’s family claim ‘jealous and nasty parents’ have been ‘trying to put him off’ with jibes about his age for YEARS… accusing mums and dads of other players of ‘starting a rumour that he was LYING about his age’

Luke Littler‘s family have accused parents of his darts peers of spreading a false rumour for years that he has been lying about his age.

When he burst onto the global scene at the World Darts Championship, many fans were surprised to hear that he was 16 years old.

talkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein thought that Littler was in his mid-30s but the release of Littler’s birth certificate has ended any speculation about his age.

However, his family claim that ‘jealous’ parents of competitors have attacked him on social media and tried to undermine him and cause ‘hate’ for years – just because he looks a little bit older.

Leanne Seddon, Luke’s mum’s cousin, said: ‘Some years ago when he was winning everything, other parents of young players started a rumour he was lying about his age.

‘To enter a competition you have to give proof of age, but that didn’t stop them.

‘It was pure jealousy and nastiness by adults attacking a young teenager on social media. To stop the hate his parents posted proof of his age back then.

And yes again there are some who are saying they seriously think he’s lying.

‘Whether they really believe that or not I don’t know. Some just like to say outlandish stuff on social media for attention, a laugh, or to cause trouble or hate.’

Littler has worked hard at his darts for years to get where he is now.

A heartwarming old photo shows him facing Luke Humphries – his World Darts Championship final opponent – back when he was just 12 years old.

He cruelly came up short against the same opponent again on Wednesday night in the final, losing 7-4 to the 28-year-old.