“You better not try that with Luke Littler” – Fans rage as James Wade could be investigated after ‘disgusting’ Luke Humphries incident
James Wade is facing backlash after seemingly licking Luke Humphries’ neck, with warnings that an investigation might loom over the odd incident.
Paul Nicholson, a former Players Championship victor, reckons ‘The Machine’ could still answer for his quirky move during their UK Open quarter-final clash. As they took the stage in Minehead, Wade appeared to flick his tongue toward Humphries’ neck in a pre-match greeting.
That oddity seemed to rile up world champion Humphries, who skipped the usual handshake or fist bump before the decisive leg. After a tight 10-9 loss, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ brushed past Wade with a shoulder nudge instead. Humphries later vented on a now-deleted social media post, saying Wade forfeited his respect. “I’m one of the best losers in darts—everyone loves a sore loser, but I’m not hugging someone who didn’t earn my respect with his antics,” he wrote.
Some cried sour grapes, but Nicholson backed Humphries, slamming Wade’s lick as “disgusting.” Speaking to Sporting Life, he said, “Just days after Humphries won praise for spotlighting Beau Greaves, he copped flak for a cold handshake and slight barge. Calling him a ‘bad loser’ is absurd—his gracious track record stands tall.”
“There’d been simmering tension all match—no handshake or bump before the decider. Wade licking Humphries’ neck at the start might’ve sparked it,” Nicholson added. “I’m with Luke. In competition, if someone crosses a line with gamesmanship, don’t expect respect back. That photo of James tonguing Luke’s neck? Gross. I’d bet it gets probed. Whether it bugged Luke or not, his exit wasn’t about losing—it was Wade’s provocation.”
“If James hadn’t pulled that stunt, Luke’s reaction would’ve been night-and-day different,” he continued. “I’ve had my own moments—like storming off after losing to Kim Huybrechts at the World Cup, no handshake. They called me a bad loser, but I was just pissed at myself, not Kim. It happens when there’s no bad blood.”
“Wade’s no saint in defeat either—his handshakes over the years? Barely there. He’s a 20-year vet worthy of props, but not flawless. Let’s spotlight Luke Humphries instead—a stellar role model and ambassador. His nod to Greaves shows he gets the big picture. He’s cool with Luke Littler stealing the shine, and he’d have lauded Greaves beating him with zero bitterness. That’s rare—competitive yet classy.”
