The darts world was left reeling after England’s star-studded duo of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries suffered a stunning 8-4 defeat to Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in the second round of the 2025 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt. The loss, which came just 24 hours after both players received MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours, was overshadowed by a controversial incident involving the German crowd’s relentless booing and whistling directed at the 18-year-old Littler. The hostile atmosphere at the Eissporthalle prompted an emotional outcry from Belgian commentator Rudy Lanssens, who labeled the crowd’s behavior “absolutely out of order” and expressed deep concern for the young prodigy’s well-being.
Littler, the reigning world champion, and Humphries, the world No. 1, entered the tournament as overwhelming favorites, expected to dominate with their formidable talent. However, the German duo, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, delivered a masterclass in composure, nailing eight of 13 doubles, including spectacular 106 and 101 checkouts by Pietreczko. England, in contrast, struggled with a dismal 36% double success rate, converting only four of 11 attempts. The partisan crowd’s relentless jeering, particularly aimed at Littler, appeared to rattle the teenager, who has previously faced hostility in Germany. “I just don’t get it, and I can’t explain it,” Littler said after a previous loss in Munich, reflecting on the booing that has followed him in German tournaments. “As soon as I got on stage, I started getting booed.”
The match began with England greeted by a chorus of boos during their walk-on to Fat Les’ *Vindaloo*. Germany seized an early 2-0 lead, capitalizing on Littler’s nervous start. A brilliant 123 checkout from Littler briefly ignited England’s hopes, leveling the score at 2-2, but missed doubles in critical moments allowed Germany to surge ahead 5-2 at the break. Pietreczko’s 101 checkout after the resumption pushed Germany to a commanding 7-2 lead, and despite a late rally from England, the hosts sealed the victory with a clinical 62 finish. Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle, stunned by the upset, remarked, “It was astonishing. It was outstanding. The way Martin and Ricardo went about their business from leg one to the very end—they never dropped off for a millisecond. Every time England won a leg, it was like it was earned.”
Lanssens, visibly emotional during the broadcast, didn’t hold back in condemning the crowd’s behavior. “This wouldn’t happen in Belgium—at least not so obviously and unsportingly,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Luke Littler never sets foot in Germany again. This kind of behaviour is absolutely out of order. The PDC has to step in—this is completely unacceptable.” His co-commentator, Erik Clarys, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the psychological toll on Littler. “Just imagine being Luke Littler,” Clarys said. “He’s still so young. Everywhere else, he’s celebrated—but here in Germany, he’s being booed from start to finish. You can’t imagine the effect something like this has on young players. It gets into your head.”
The defeat exposed a lack of synergy between Littler and Humphries, with Welsh star Gerwyn Price criticizing their “team ethic.” “You need to have a connection, that camaraderie off the stage,” Price said after reaching the final with Jonny Clayton. “The only two players that didn’t turn up together, didn’t sit together, didn’t play as a team—it showed.” Mardle agreed, noting that the pressure of being favorites, combined with the unique dynamics of pairs play, caused the duo to “buckle.” “Playing for your country is different than playing for yourself,” he added. “The rhythm you get in is different.”
Littler’s frustration was palpable as he quickly shook hands and left the stage without Humphries, a move that drew criticism from some fans online. However, the teenager’s history of crowd interactions—such as his “cry more” gesture to hecklers in Leeds—suggests he thrives on engaging with audiences, even hostile ones. “It’s just for myself. Being a sportsman, doing stuff like this and just being myself, letting my emotions out—it relaxes me,” Littler said after a Premier League match. Yet, the intensity of the Frankfurt crowd, coupled with his ongoing struggles in Germany, including losses in Hildesheim and Munich, may have pushed him to the edge.
The incident has sparked calls for the PDC to address crowd behavior, with Lanssens urging action to protect players. As Littler and Humphries skip upcoming Players Championship events to regroup, the darts community is left reflecting on the balance between passionate support and unsporting conduct. For Littler, whose meteoric rise has made him a global sensation, this setback is a reminder of the challenges of stardom at such a young age.
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