Darts legend tells Luke Littler to stop ‘biting back’ at boo boys or risk making massive Premier League mistake

Luke Littler has been warned not to “bite back” at booing fans by darts legend Adrian Lewis.

The 19-year-old sensation remains the man to beat, having not lost a major final since October last year.

Two-time world champion Lewis believes Littler’s rise to the top has naturally changed how crowds react to him.

“He was the underdog before and now he’s world champion and world number one, so the shoe is on the other foot,” Lewis explained.

“The crowds feel because he’s the one to beat, they can boo him and instead get behind the next underdog.”

Lewis, 41, drew on his own experience, warning that reacting to the crowd could make things worse for Littler.

“I had it in my career, and the thing I’d say is the more you bite back, the more it’s going to follow you,” he said.

“It will start in the Premier League Darts and then carry on into the majors — and you really don’t want that.

“Fans love an underdog, so it’s hard to stop the boos. You’ve just got to ignore it and get on with it.

“He’s not the underdog anymore, so this is part of it now.”

Lewis also shared his thoughts on Luke Humphries, suggesting he has been somewhat overshadowed despite his own success at the top of the sport.

He praised Humphries as one of the best world number ones in recent years, highlighting his professionalism and composure.

“The way he carries himself and handles interviews — he’s been a real breath of fresh air in darts,” Lewis added.

“He didn’t really get his moment in the spotlight when he became world champion because so much attention was on Littler.

“A lot of players might have shown frustration, but he never did. Whether he felt it or not, he handled everything brilliantly.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the latest night of Premier League Darts action, Gian van Veen has been forced to withdraw.

The Dutch star has been hospitalised with kidney stones and confirmed the news himself, apologising to fans while admitting the situation was out of his control following medical treatment.