The electric atmosphere of the 2024 BetMGM Premier League Darts in Birmingham was momentarily disrupted when Sky Sports cameras were forced to swiftly pan away from a fan’s X-rated sign during a high-stakes match featuring teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler. The incident occurred on Night 11 of the Premier League, a tournament that has seen Littler, known as “The Nuke,” captivate audiences with his meteoric rise. The unexpected moment added a humorous, if awkward, twist to an already thrilling evening of darts, highlighting the passionate and unpredictable nature of the sport’s fanbase.
The match in question saw Littler, the 17-year-old sensation from Warrington, take on world number one Luke Humphries in a semi-final clash that echoed their dramatic 2024 World Darts Championship final. The Utilita Arena was buzzing with energy as fans cheered for Littler, who had already edged out Rob Cross 6-5 in the quarter-finals with a stunning match average of over 107, including five maximum 180s. As Littler battled Humphries, the crowd’s enthusiasm reached fever pitch, with spectators waving signs of support and playful banter. However, one fan took things a step too far, initially displaying a sign that read “Go on Luke Littler” before flipping it to reveal a crude message: “S*** stick.” The cheeky stunt caught the Sky Sports camera operator off guard, prompting a quick cutaway to avoid broadcasting the inappropriate content.
“It was a nightmare moment for the camera operator,” one observer noted, capturing the lighthearted chaos of the incident. Despite the brief distraction, Littler remained unfazed, delivering a gripping 6-5 victory over Humphries to secure his place in the night’s final. His performance showcased the composure that has made him a household name, even as he faced off against Michael van Gerwen in the final, where he ultimately fell 6-3. Littler’s ability to stay focused amid the raucous crowd and the unexpected sign incident underscored his maturity on the oche, a trait that has earned him accolades like a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list alongside football star Jude Bellingham.
The Premier League Darts, a 17-week tournament featuring the world’s top players, has been a stage for Littler’s remarkable talent since his breakout performance at the 2024 World Championship, where he became the youngest finalist at age 16. His journey in 2024 included victories at the Bahrain Darts Masters and Dutch Open, cementing his status as a force in the sport. However, the Birmingham event wasn’t without its challenges. The crowd’s energy, while electric, occasionally crossed lines, with similar incidents of inappropriate fan behavior reported in other matches. For instance, during a later Premier League night in Glasgow, referee Kirk Bevins had to intervene when fans whistled at Humphries, prompting Littler to remark, “Kirk told them to be quiet, and it got even worse.”
The incident with the sign was just one of many colorful moments in Littler’s 2024 campaign. From a fan grabbing his arm during a walk-on in Belfast—leaving him “hurt” and shaken—to his van being vandalized in Norwich, Littler has navigated the highs and lows of fame with remarkable poise. “I’m happy to win, it’s my first one,” he said after his Belfast triumph, reflecting on his ability to overcome distractions. His rivalry with Humphries, marked by 23 head-to-head matches since their 2024 World Championship clash, has only intensified, with Littler holding a 13-10 edge.
As the Premier League season progressed, Littler’s consistency shone through, with highlights including a nine-darter in Cardiff and a dominant 6-0 win over Stephen Bunting in Newcastle. Despite the occasional disruptions from fans, his focus remained on securing a top-four spot for the Play-Offs at London’s O2 arena. The Birmingham sign incident, while fleeting, became a talking point among fans on social media, with many chuckling at the audacity of the prank. For Sky Sports, it was a reminder of the challenges of live broadcasting in a sport known for its boisterous crowds. As Littler continues to dazzle, the darts world eagerly awaits his next move, both on and off the oche.
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