Teenage darts world champion Luke Littler delivered a cutting seven-word riposte to a hostile Alexandra Palace crowd after being booed during his World Darts Championship last-16 victory.
Littler Embraces Villain Role With Sarcastic Thanks
The 18-year-old sensation saw off former champion Rob Cross with a 4-2 win on Monday evening, posting an impressive average of 106.58. Despite his performance, the majority of fans inside the iconic venue rallied behind his opponent, casting Littler in the unfamiliar role of the villain.
After dropping a set to Cross, Littler responded emphatically by averaging a staggering 125.25 in the third set to seize control of the match. It was after his triumph, however, that he aimed his sharpest darts at the spectators.
"You Pay For My Prize Money" - Littler's Fiery Interview
Speaking to Sky Sports amidst a backdrop of jeers, Littler showed he was utterly unbothered by the negative reception. "I'm not bothered. Really not bothered," he stated bluntly. "You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me."
He added defiantly: "No one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again." The young champion now looks ahead to a quarter-final clash on New Year's Day against either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski.
A History of Playful Crowd Antagonism
This is not the first instance where Littler has engaged in cheeky banter with crowds. As a known Manchester United supporter, he previously ruffled feathers at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena during a 2024 Premier League fixture.
Following Everton's 2-0 victory over Liverpool, Littler cupped his ears towards the booing Reds fans and later grinned in a Sky Sports interview: "It was a good result for Everton!" He has previously admitted he expects the worst from crowds but views it as "just banter."
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle analysed Littler's Monday night reaction, noting: "He was being annoyed and kind of angered through that game... We've not really seen that from him. He wants to shut the crowd up." Mardle also cautioned that having a crowd firmly against you can make for "a long and lonely road," referencing the experiences of player Gerwyn Price.
Littler remains focused on the task at hand, enjoying two days off before returning to the oche on New Year's Day as he continues his quest for a second world title.
