Luke Littler was given the chance to parade his World Darts Championship trophy on the pitch at Old Trafford during half-time of Manchester United's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. However, the teenage sensation was met with chants of 'Oh Michael van Gerwen' from the visiting Spurs supporters, who were seeking some cheer after their side trailed 1-0.
Littler, a United fan, responded swiftly by pointing to his trophy and holding two fingers aloft, a gesture that appeared to reference his two world titles. The 17-year-old has become accustomed to being targeted by fans following his rapid rise to the top of the sport.
Earlier this week, after being beaten 6-4 by Gian van Veen in the Premier League darts action, Littler took a cheeky dig at Newcastle United fans on Instagram. He posted a photo of himself watching the tournament on a projector screen with the caption: 'Newcastle, you were brilliant, On to next week. PS 3-1' – a reference to Newcastle's 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City.
Littler has previously shrugged off hostile reactions from crowds, saying: 'I'm not bothered by the booing. You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me. No-one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again.'
At Old Trafford, he enjoyed both the attention and the result, as Manchester United secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, with Tottenham's Cristian Romero sent off.
