Referee forced to intervene during Luke Littler thriller after crowd misconduct in Amsterdam
PDCSunday, 20 September 2026 at 12:29
The referee had to step in on Saturday evening during the spectacular clash between Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall at the World Series of Darts Finals. Repeated whistling came from the Amsterdam crowd whenever Littler was at the oche. Referee Charlie Corstophine decided enough was enough and temporarily halted play to deliver a stern message to the fans in attendance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Littler and Aspinall met in the second round and served up a gripping contest. While both players battled on stage for a quarter-final spot, a section of the audience tried to disrupt Littler’s focus.
It was not the first time this weekend the 19-year-old Englishman had to deal with it. Littler was also booed during his earlier match against Danny Noppert. “The Nuke” responded on Friday by cupping his ears after a key moment, goading the Dutch crowd.
A day later it happened again. In the tie with Aspinall, several whistles sounded while Littler was throwing.
Luke Littler edged Nathan Aspinall 10-9 in a last-leg decider
Referee addresses the crowd
For Corstophine, the line had been crossed. The referee paused the match, turned to the stands, and called out the behaviour.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please, out of respect to both of the players, please do not whistle whilst they are throwing. Thank you,” was the referee’s clear instruction.
ADVERTISEMENT
Littler stayed composed. The Englishman had to dig deep against Aspinall but prevailed after nineteen legs. In the decider he closed out a 10-9 victory, sealing his place in the quarter-finals.
Afterwards, Littler said he had planned beforehand to block out as much as possible around the board.
“II said I was just going to get my head down, focus on it, because we know what Nathan is like, he'll push me all the way and that's what he's done there yet again,” said Littler.
Read also
Littler only finds his range late
ADVERTISEMENT
Littler was not satisfied with his level throughout. He felt confidence was missing, especially in the first two passages of play.
“I only played well in the last session [from 6-6 onwards]. In the first two sessions, I didn't feel confident but I managed to get it to 6-6 and I was very good in the third,” the Englishman admitted.
LITTLER SURVIVES LAST-LEG DECIDER!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 19, 2026
Luke Littler is taken all the way against Nathan Aspinall, but the World Champion delivers a cool 12-darter to squeeze into the last eight!
📺 https://t.co/Xmxpvc1Nh5#WSODFinals | R2 pic.twitter.com/Ry10mPWQfq
Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- He isn't,and won't be the last player to get whistled or booed at. The problem I noticed,is that he winds them up,and give him back,and he doesn't like it. If you can't take it,don't give itrick6720-09-2026
- I hope Phil doesn't return. Watching him the seniors was embarrassing,and he should bow out,and let everyone remember what a legend he is.rick6716-09-2026
- What a nice comment by Wade. Top bloke.BandB15-09-2026
- He wasn't "offered £501,000 to face Luke Littler". He was allowed to audition for the chance. That's not the same. Literally like saying I was offered a no.1 single, when actually I decided not to attend an open casting for the X factor.BandB13-09-2026
- I loved Jan and loved his walk on music "Explode" by Jordan & Baker. I think if he stuck around the BDO he definitely would have been World Champion, should have won in 2014, he never really showed any of his talent in the PDC. I remembered he worked in a bank or in finance and maybe that was his priority, he was also a fan and interested in magic. Definitely should have achieved much more in darts than he did. Wherever you are nowadays Jan, hope all is well and I was always a fan.richieburnettrocks11-09-2026
- Not much of a tournament really,is it? Now they've all pulled out,it's open for everyone. I'm sure if you bought tickets,you'd be disappointed. Doesn't that seem to bother the withdrawals? Not at all!!rick6710-09-2026
- Need to see her take part in the womens tour. She'll break the inernet.medinabello08-09-2026
- If he can be bothered? He won't play darts in Germany yet he'll go over and get an award!??rick6702-09-2026
- Why is this the main story? He chose not to compete in loads of tournaments,yes he's number 1 in the world,but he does have to turn up at tournaments! Play the next world championship in Dortmund and see if he turns up!!rick6727-08-2026
- This is exactly what I mean,littler survives the 1st round,I think you'll find a lot of other players did. Can you just report on the real sport,and not just 1 person. I like Luke,but this is getting boring now,as Kevin painter once said to Taylor!! The sport is about every player,not 1 who everyone seems to have put the sport on the map.,which he hasn't,he's just got in when the money is massive. Great as he is,it seems like what's the point in anyone trying,he's going to win everything,unless it's in Germany or Australia!!!rick6726-08-2026
Loading