Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has faced significant criticism from two iconic figures in the sport following an incident of poor timekeeping before a Premier League event in Belfast. The young player, who is currently sixth in the table after three nights, acknowledged his error after receiving stern words from seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen and darts legend Dennis Priestley.
Van Gerwen's Stern Rebuke
Last year in Belfast, Littler arrived late for media commitments, causing delays for seven other competitors. This did not sit well with Michael van Gerwen, who expressed his frustration publicly. Van Gerwen emphasised the need for professionalism, stating that Littler should not be treated with kid gloves despite his youth.
The Green Machine fumed: "They need to stop treating him like a baby. He's not a baby any more, he's 18 years old now. It happens. He has to learn. You have to learn the hard way. It's a professional sport, so you have to be responsible for your actions. Simple as that. If he turns up late for an interview, I don't mind. But seven other people are waiting for him. That's not very nice, is it?"
Priestley Advocates for Financial Penalty
Adding to the criticism, two-time world champion Dennis Priestley suggested that Littler deserved a financial penalty for his tardiness. Priestley argued that such a fine would serve as a valuable learning experience for the youngster.
Priestley told The Sun: "Luke Littler should've been fined for turning up late and that would be the right thing to do, it's a learning experience for him, the fine should be automatic. If you are late to your own event, that is one thing. But when there are seven other players as well as staff and media there that have all made the effort, it isn't good enough, no matter what your age is."
He further commented on Van Gerwen's approach, hoping it was handled calmly and properly behind the scenes.
Littler's Mature Response
In a display of maturity, Littler later confessed to falling asleep before the engagement and revealed that Van Gerwen had labelled him "lazy." He accepted that the criticism from MVG and other players was justified.
Littler told Sky Sports: "I always let my darts do the talking but he (Van Gerwen) is not wrong. I was late. I'm 18 now and I'm responsible for my actions and I did get a little telling off."
Upcoming Belfast Showdown
The Premier League returns to Belfast this Thursday, with Littler looking to bounce back from a sluggish start. He faces a challenging quarter-final match against league leader Jonny Clayton, who recently defeated him 6-1 in the semi-finals in Glasgow after Littler received a bye due to Van Gerwen's medical withdrawal.
Other key matches in Belfast include home hero Josh Rock, still seeking his first Premier League victory of the season, against World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen. Stephen Bunting, another winless player, goes up against Luke Humphries, while Michael van Gerwen is set to return to action against Gerwyn Price.
This incident highlights the pressures and expectations placed on young athletes in professional sports, emphasising the importance of punctuality and responsibility regardless of age or status.
