Gary Anderson Defended Luke Littler Against Crowd Abuse
Two-time world champion Gary Anderson spoke out after Luke Littler faced hostility at European tournaments.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Golf
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Professional darts player Luke Littler has faced persistent boos and jeers from crowds during European events this year. In response to the treatment, two-time world champion Gary Anderson publicly defended the 19-year-old star.
Why it matters
The hostile environment has influenced Littler to shift his focus, as he now intends to restrict his future tournament appearances to the United Kingdom. Littler currently maintains high earnings through commercial ventures and his performance in major ranking events.
Luke Littler has won two of the three European Tour events he entered out of 15 scheduled tournaments this year. The 19-year-old has amassed £3.1 million on the two-year world ranking list.
The players
Luke Littler
A 19-year-old professional darts player who has achieved rapid success and significant commercial income.
Gary Anderson
A 55-year-old professional darts player and two-time world champion known for his long-standing career in the sport.
The details
Littler has been subjected to verbal abuse at various stops, including events in Germany and Holland, despite his successes in countries like Poland and the Czech Republic. The teenager and his management team have opted to prioritize UK-based exhibitions, such as those held last week in Blackpool, Rotherham, and Skegness, over continued travel to continental Europe.
Timeline
Littler participated in three of 15 European Tour events during the current year.
Exhibitions in Blackpool, Rotherham, and Skegness took place last week.
The Big Picture
The professional darts landscape is defined by the Professional Darts Corporation Order of Merit, which tracks earnings to determine tournament qualification. This story follows a pattern set by the Order of Merit in how player participation impacts global rankings.
Littler's withdrawal from the European Tour will limit his opportunities to secure additional ranking points on the international circuit. Fans can expect to see the teenager competing more frequently in domestic exhibitions rather than televised European ranking events.
The takeaway
Maintaining a healthy mental environment is critical for young athletes balancing commercial success with intense competitive pressure. Players often prioritize domestic stability when professional travel becomes a source of undue external interference.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional competition, visit our Golf section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sun.
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