Luke Littler Calls for Moving On After Premier League Darts Clash
World darts champion Luke Littler has publicly stated that it is time to move on from his recent heated exchange with Dutch player Gian van Veen during the Premier League competition. The incident occurred on night nine in Manchester, where the pair faced off in a quarter-final match that sparked controversy and lingering tensions.
The Manchester Quarter-Final Incident
The confrontation unfolded when Van Veen, the runner-up at Alexandra Palace, missed a crucial match dart. Littler celebrated in front of the crowd and gestured for his opponent to return to the oche. However, Littler failed to close out the match, and Van Veen ultimately won 6-5. As he walked off the stage, Littler mimicked crying and offered only a brief handshake, further escalating the situation.
Van Veen later criticized Littler, calling his behavior "out of order" and suggesting that their next meeting might not be "very friendly." This fallout led to Littler being booed by fans during the subsequent Premier League event in Brighton, where he lost in the quarter-finals to Stephen Bunting, missing a chance for an immediate rematch with Van Veen.
Littler's Perspective on the Fallout
Speaking to Online Darts during an exhibition in Bournemouth, the 19-year-old Littler appeared relaxed and sought to draw a line under the incident. He emphasized that while he and Van Veen have not yet spoken, he believes everyone should forget about it as the Premier League moves forward to Rotterdam on Thursday night, where the pair could potentially meet again in the semi-finals.
"I wouldn't say the fallout, it is what it is, it is done. Obviously the fans in Brighton didn't let it go, I let it go," Littler said. "I think everyone needs to forget about it now. Me and Gian haven't spoken, but I am sure we will and we can meet in the semi-finals next week in Rotterdam."
Reflecting on the Manchester Events
Littler provided his account of the Manchester incident, explaining that he was looking at the TV screen, thinking Van Veen would not miss his shot. When Van Veen came inside the double 15, Littler had a drink of water and did a fist bump towards his girlfriend, Faith Millar, and her father. This gesture ignited the crowd, leading to his celebratory actions.
"That's when the fans started on that side, they were all screaming, so then I was like that to them, 'come on', and then the whole arena," Littler recounted. He added that Van Veen's decision to stare back at him was unnecessary, as the Dutchman still had a dart in hand and should have focused on his throw.
Littler also highlighted an unseen moment: "What other people didn't see was as I walked back round, I'm still looking that way, he's put his darts down on the table. No one sees that. So really I think he's the one who's not doing his job, obviously being respectful." This action prompted Littler to call Van Veen a "cry baby," but he later congratulated him on the win.
Looking Ahead to Rotterdam
As the Premier League progresses to Rotterdam, the potential for a semi-final clash between Littler and Van Veen looms large. Littler remains optimistic about resolving the issue, stating, "It is what it is, I am sure we will speak, but people need to forget about it." His call for moving on underscores a desire to focus on the sport rather than the controversy, aiming to put the bust-up behind him as he continues his title defense.
