The Alexandra Palace crowd has come under fire after sections of fans loudly booed Luke Littler, triggering a heated response from the teenage darts star that has sharply divided opinion.
Littler, the reigning world champion and one of the sport’s biggest attractions, was subjected to jeers during his latest match at the PDC World Darts Championship. While the 19-year-old delivered another composed performance on the oche, frustration was evident as the hostile atmosphere continued throughout the contest.
The situation reached boiling point during Littler’s post-match interview, when he directly addressed the booing fans.
“You guys pay for tickets that pays for my prize money — so thank you for my money,” Littler said sarcastically.
“Thank you for booing me.”
The remark immediately sparked debate, with fans, pundits and former players split over whether Littler was justified in biting back or whether he had crossed a line.
Support for Littler
Many within the darts community rushed to Littler’s defence, criticising sections of the Ally Pally crowd for what they described as unnecessary and targeted hostility.
Supporters argued that booing players during throws undermines the spirit of the game and places unfair pressure on competitors — particularly a teenager who has rapidly become one of darts’ leading figures.
Some former professionals suggested Littler’s reaction was understandable, pointing out that constant crowd antagonism would test even the most experienced players.
Criticism of the Outburst
Others, however, felt Littler’s comments risked alienating fans and reinforcing the perception that he is becoming arrogant as his profile grows.
Critics argued that dealing with hostile crowds is part of elite sport, especially for champions, and warned that publicly mocking supporters could escalate tensions rather than defuse them.
Social media reaction reflected the divide, with some praising Littler’s confidence and others branding the moment “ill-advised”.
Growing Crowd Behaviour Concerns
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about crowd behaviour at this year’s World Championship, with whistling, booing and deliberate distractions becoming a recurring theme.
Several players have already called for stricter action against disruptive fans, while organisers continue to stress that darts should remain intense but respectful.
A New Chapter for Littler
As Littler’s status continues to rise, so too does the scrutiny. No longer the fearless underdog, he is now the man many fans want to see beaten — a role that brings both pressure and hostility.
Whether his reaction was justified or not, one thing is clear:
Luke Littler is now at the centre of the World Darts Championship narrative, and every interaction with the Ally Pally crowd will be watched closely as the tournament progresses.
