Darts sensation Luke Littler may step away from the game due to persistent booing from fans, according to a warning from fellow player Luke Humphries. Littler, who recently triumphed over Humphries to clinch the Premier League title, tearfully disclosed his struggles with the audience after the match.
The 19-year-old confided in his girlfriend Faith Millar that he contemplated quitting during the challenging early stages of the tournament. Recalling his moments of distress, he shared, “After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was at home telling Faith: ‘I don’t want to do it anymore, just the crowd every week.’ I said to her: ‘I’m down bad.'”
Throughout the 17-week competition, Littler faced jeers from spectators following a clash with Gian van Veen in Manchester. The negative reception visibly impacted him, prompting Humphries, his defeated opponent, to appeal to fans to desist from booing.
Expressing his support for Littler, Humphries emphasized the importance of the young player in the darts community, underscoring that Littler’s well-being should not be compromised by fan behavior. Littler, in turn, described the Premier League season as a tumultuous journey and acknowledged the unwavering support of his loved ones and girlfriend on social media.
After an emotional victory over Humphries, Littler, visibly moved, spoke about the challenges he had faced. Reflecting on the intense emotions displayed by Littler, Humphries acknowledged the pressures of public scrutiny in the sport and emphasized the need for empathy towards players.
Littler’s triumph at The O2 in London, where he averaged an impressive 111.67 and secured £350,000 in prize money, marked a significant milestone in his career. Joining the ranks of darts legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson, Littler’s victory in the Premier League showcased his resilience and talent in the sport.