Luke Humphries has issued a warning to darts enthusiasts regarding Luke Littler, cautioning that Littler might decide to leave the sport if the booing continues. Littler, who recently triumphed over Humphries to clinch the Premier League title, tearfully disclosed his struggles with the audience. The 19-year-old confessed that he had contemplated quitting the sport during the challenging early stages of the competition, revealing conversations with his girlfriend about his emotional turmoil.
Littler faced jeers from spectators throughout the 17-week tournament, particularly after a confrontation with Gian van Veen in Manchester. The negative crowd response visibly impacted him, prompting his defeated opponent, Humphries, to call on fans to desist from booing.
Humphries emphasized the importance of Littler to the darts community, highlighting Littler’s humanity and resilience beyond his darts prowess. Littler, describing the Premier League season as a “rollercoaster,” attributed his success to the unwavering support of his loved ones. Following his victory over Humphries with a remarkable performance, Littler expressed gratitude on Instagram for the backing he received.
Reflecting on Littler’s emotional moment after the match, Humphries acknowledged the intensity of the situation, drawing on his personal experiences with crowd backlash in the past. Littler’s circle of family, girlfriend, and friends stood by him during the final showdown at The O2 in London, where he secured the championship and a substantial prize purse, avenging a previous defeat by Humphries.
Littler now joins the ranks of darts icons such as Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson as a multiple-time winner of the Premier League, adding to his previous triumph in 2024.
