Stephen Bunting Weighs In on Luke Littler's Conduct as Van Veen Hostility Lingers
Luke Littler made his return to the oche for night ten of the Premier League Darts in Brighton, following a highly publicised semi-final confrontation with Dutch rival Gian van Veen in Manchester just one week prior. The incident, which sparked widespread debate across the darts community, continued to cast a shadow over the tournament as hostilities threatened to spill over into the latest round of matches.
Bunting's Defence of Teenage Sensation
Stephen Bunting, who faced Littler in the quarter-finals on his 41st birthday, offered a measured defence of the teenage darts sensation when questioned about the ongoing controversy. "I seen what happened, I'll stay out of all that," Bunting stated pre-match. "If he celebrates me missing doubles, I know Luke pretty well, he wouldn't do it to me. I don't think he did with any malice."
This intervention from the experienced professional comes after Littler faced significant criticism for his conduct during last week's semi-final defeat to Van Veen. The 19-year-old Warrington-born player had celebrated a missed checkout dart from his opponent, prompting Van Veen to publicly criticise his fellow professional's behaviour both on stage and across social media platforms.
Tensions Spill Over Into Brighton Showdown
The atmosphere in Brighton reflected the lingering tensions from the Manchester incident, with Littler receiving a hostile welcome from sections of the crowd as he walked to the stage. The avid Manchester United supporter was met with audible boos and jeers, though he appeared to shrug off the negative reception as he prepared to face his North West rival.
Commentator Rodd Studd observed the unusual dynamic, noting: "This is extraordinary and if he does go on to lose, it's an easy narrative that there was the lingering effect from the Van Veen spat in Manchester and fans giving him the bird as he walked on having an effect. I have no idea whether it had or it hadn't."
Quarter-Final Battle Under Scrutiny
Bunting raced into an early two-leg lead against Littler, with the teenager forced to endure sarcastic cheers from the crowd after each thrown dart. Despite mounting a brief comeback to avoid a whitewash defeat, Littler struggled to find his usual rhythm, averaging just above 80 in what commentators described as a largely uneventful showdown.
The Liverpudlian veteran capitalised on numerous opportunities presented by his younger opponent, ultimately securing a 6-4 victory that sent Littler to an early nightly exit alongside fellow top players Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price. As Littler departed the stage, further sarcastic jeers followed his exit, underscoring how the Van Veen incident continued to influence fan reactions.
Littler's Focus on the Future
Prior to his match against Bunting, Littler had addressed the possibility of a rematch with Van Veen, who was scheduled to face fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen in his quarter-final. "Everyone's looking towards the semi-finals, me and Gian could meet," Littler acknowledged. "I've got to focus on Stephen. It's his birthday, he'll be wanting a birthday win but if we do meet, whatever happens, happens. I've got to get two points on the board first."
The teenager's comments reflected a pragmatic approach to the ongoing controversy, though the match outcome demonstrated how external factors can impact performance at the highest level of professional darts. As the Premier League season progresses, all eyes will remain on whether this high-profile spat continues to influence dynamics between the sport's rising stars and established professionals.
