‘Rubbish’ – Gerwyn Price takes shot at Luke Littler and Luke Humphries after shock World Cup of Darts exit
Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price unleashed a scathing critique of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, branding their performance “rubbish” and questioning their team ethic after England’s shock 8-4 second-round loss to Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko at the 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt on June 14, per The Independent. The world No. 2 and No. 1, pre-tournament favorites at 2/5 odds, were expected to dominate but crumbled under pressure, prompting Price’s blunt assessment during a post-final press conference, per The Mirror.
Price’s Critique of Team Unity
Price, who reached the final with Jonny Clayton before losing 10-9 to Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney, pointed to a lack of camaraderie as England’s downfall. “The only two players that didn’t turn up together, didn’t sit together, didn’t play as a team… they didn’t win their first game,” he said, per Daily Mail. Despite insisting, “I wanted them to do well,” Price’s claim drew laughter from Clayton, who teased, “I thought you weren’t going to say who they were!” per The Independent. Price doubled down, stating, “You need that team ethic… but it didn’t happen,” per Sky Sports.
England’s Disappointing Performance
Littler and Humphries, both awarded MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours, struggled with a 36.36% checkout rate (4/11 doubles) and averages of 92.22 and 94.82, respectively, per Sky Sports. Littler, booed by the partisan German crowd, missed key doubles, while Humphries’ failed 122 checkout attempt fueled Germany’s 5-2 lead, per BBC. Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle noted, “They buckled under the pressure,” per Daily Record. Littler’s swift stage exit post-match, leaving Humphries behind, fueled speculation of discord, per The Irish Sun.
Humphries’ Defense and Fan Reaction
Humphries previously dismissed rumors of tension, saying in December 2024, “Me and Luke are fantastic friends,” per SPORTbible. However, their World Cup showing—England’s earliest exit since 2010—drew fan criticism on X, with @GarethLivesey95 posting, “Littler isn’t a team player,” per. Others, like @FraserSport1, shared Price’s remarks: “They were rubbish,” per. Both players have withdrawn from the Players Championship triple header in Leicester (June 17–19), signaling a need to regroup, per PDC.
Northern Ireland’s Triumph
Northern Ireland’s Rock and Gurney capitalized on England’s absence, securing a historic 10-9 final win over Wales, with Gurney’s 11-dart finish sealing £80,000, per The Independent. Price’s comments, while harsh, highlighted the team unity that propelled underdogs like Northern Ireland, per Wales Online.
