"You have to remember, he's still only 18" - Van der Voort defends Luke Littler after world champ threatens to boycott events in Germany over whistling
PDCTuesday, 29 April 2025 at 13:15
Luke Littler has sparked controversy after vowing not to play another tournament in Germany until the European Championship in October. The 18-year-old Englishman made the announcement on social media following his semi-final defeat to an outstanding Gian van Veen at the German Darts Grand Prix — expressing frustration with the crowd’s persistent whistling.
The incident quickly became a talking point on the 'Darts Draait Door' podcast.
"It's a bit childish to react like that, especially when you’re already such a major champion at just eighteen," said host Damian Vlottes. Former professional Vincent van der Voort agreed, though he urged some understanding: "You have to remember, he's still only eighteen. He's not used to losing yet."
Vlottes added: "And he doesn't handle defeat very well, does he?"
Van der Voort continued: "Honestly, no dart player handles losing well. I don’t even think Steve Beaton likes losing — he just hides it better than most. Littler struggled with that. He needs some coaching and guidance to help him manage those emotions better. Firing off a post like that on social media isn’t wise."
Read also
Should Littler stick to his stance, he would also miss the World Cup of Darts, scheduled for June 12-15 in Frankfurt.
"In effect, he's saying he won't play anything until the European Championship, so that would include skipping the World Cup," Van der Voort pointed out.
Vlottes added that the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) would likely intervene: "I'm sure the PDC will want a word with him — they must have been stunned. And if you get an England vs Germany match, I can guarantee there’ll be some booing."
Van der Voort concluded: "I’ll be curious to see if anyone asks him directly at the Premier League Darts whether he intends to play the World Cup. That’s the question that needs to be put to him."
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter today!
Feb 01, 18:12
0
Popular news
Latest comments
- Simple really, just come off social media.Mysstree20-06-2025
- Be a bit more original than tacking ‘gate’ on to anything controversial, its old hat.Mysstree19-06-2025
- The perfect darts player has to have the ability of Phil Taylor, looks of Chris Mason with the tan of Steve Beaton The throw, toughness and personality of Richie Burnett with Ted Hankey walk on music and the 9 darter celebration of Dean Winstanly. Mr Brightside always reminds me of Dean Winstanly as it was his original theme.richieburnettrocks18-06-2025
- Most of the players are already whinging about playing to much, unless something else is going to be axed where will another couple of competitions be squeezed in?Mysstree16-06-2025
- Indeed. The kid should grow up. Part of the game.SheGotLegs16-06-2025
- i also didn't see littler kicking off about this issue when it was his fans whistling and putting off opponents, which was happening on the regular during his first year on tour. humphries had to deal with it basically every time they played each other.colt16-06-2025
- Brilliant, Eric knew the risks and like most who die his age, bollox to being old and all that. Fair play to him and the rest of those who die young doing the same thing.Plaza15-06-2025
- So all of a sudden Littler is just a kid and it’s unfair as the Media’s darling golden boy gets the grief, never a problem though was it while it was Gerwyn Price. Been saying this for ages that something needs doing about crowd behaviour but the PDC don’t really care as long as the pissed up punters flock to Premier League night. The worry for the PDC is that as Littler has gone beyond the darts fan base and is the most high profile player in the world there is the risk that he is bigger than the PDC and then others with more clout (government for example) may start telling them to clean up their act. Bazza, Eddie and Porter will hate that.Mysstree15-06-2025
- As much as it's disappointing that England lost,Peter Wright's speculation didn't help himself and Gary either. It is, however, another pointless tournament. So,like the football club world cup,it means absolutely nothingrick6714-06-2025
- That poor trophy being next to that ! Oh my good god, what a hideous image !!richieburnettrocks10-06-2025