Eloise Milburn, the girlfriend of teenage darts superstar Luke Littler, has issued a fierce public response after becoming the target of vile online abuse. The 21-year-old took to social media to confront trolls who had cruelly mocked her appearance, specifically targeting her hair colour.
A Defiant Stand Against Online Hate
In a story first reported by The Mirror, Milburn shared a screenshot of a hurtful comment that referred to her using a derogatory term for redheads. Rather than ignoring the abuse, she chose to address it head-on. Posting to her Instagram story, she wrote a pointed message aimed directly at her detractors: "If you don't like ginger people that's fine, just keep it to yourself."
This public stance highlights the intense scrutiny and unwanted attention that comes with being linked to a high-profile sports figure. Luke Littler, at just 17 years old, took the sporting world by storm during his incredible run to the PDC World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace in January 2024. Since then, his life in the public eye has extended to his partner, Eloise.
Support from the Darts Community and Fans
The couple, who have been together since before Littler's rise to fame, have frequently shared moments of their life together on social media. Milburn is often seen supporting Littler at major tournaments, including the recent Premier League Darts nights. Her response to the trolling has been met with an outpouring of support from darts fans and followers.
Many praised her for standing up to the bullies and highlighting the unnecessary cruelty that can proliferate online. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of fame, where family and partners can become collateral targets for keyboard warriors.
Luke Littler himself has yet to publicly comment on this specific incident, but the young athlete is known to be fiercely protective of his private life and those close to him. His own journey has involved navigating immense pressure and public attention with remarkable maturity.
The Pressure of Life in the Spotlight
This episode underscores a broader issue within sports and celebrity culture, where the partners of stars are frequently pulled into the limelight and subjected to unfair criticism. Milburn's decision to publicly call out the abuse is a move that many advocacy groups encourage, as it denies the trolls the anonymity they often rely upon.
As Luke Littler continues his busy schedule on the demanding Premier League circuit, the support system around him, including Eloise, remains crucial. The couple's relationship, which began in their hometown of Warrington, has been a constant throughout Littler's meteoric ascent from a relative unknown to a household name and one of darts' biggest draws.
The hope now is that this clear message from Eloise Milburn will deter further abuse and encourage a more respectful online discourse, allowing the focus to return to where it should be: on Luke Littler's extraordinary talent on the oche.
