The fallout from Luke Littler's on-stage clash with Gian van Veen continues, with the teenage darts star claiming his fist pump was directed at his girlfriend, Faith Millar, not at his opponent. The incident occurred during the Premier League quarter-final in Manchester on April 2, after Van Veen missed a match dart.
Littler told Online Darts: 'When he come inside the double 15, I looked up, had a drink of my water and then I done a little fist bump towards Faith and her dad. The fans started on that side - they were all screaming - so I was like that to them, 'Come on.' He dismissed Van Veen's interpretation, adding: 'That's a load of nonsense.'
Former world champion Mark Webster defended Van Veen, telling Paddy Power: 'I was a bit flabbergasted by it all. I don’t see what the problem was for Luke, and I think Gian conducted himself really well.' Darts referee Huw Ware downplayed the incident, saying: 'It wasn’t anything for me to get involved with. They were both very professional in the sense that they both shook hands.'
Van Veen, 23, confirmed he has not spoken to Littler since. Speaking to Viaplay, he said: 'He hasn't approached me either. I saw his reaction on social media. He thought it was funny. I don't think things will be very friendly between us anytime soon.' World No. 2 Luke Humphries predicted the spat will be short-lived: 'It's hot news right now but in two weeks it'll all be forgotten.'
