Darts legend dismisses claims Luke Littler will quit sport to become YouTuber with Angry Ginge due to £20m reason

Luke Littler will not be driven out of darts by crowd hostility — because the financial rewards in the sport are simply too big to ignore.

That’s the view of 1983 world champion Keith Deller, who believes the teenage star has the mentality to bounce back from recent setbacks.

Littler has endured a turbulent spell, including a heated clash with Gian van Veen in Manchester, followed by heavy crowd abuse in Brighton — where he produced his worst televised performance since turning professional.

Reflecting on the boos, Deller played down the situation, insisting it is nothing new in the sport.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I don’t think it was too bad.

“At the end of the day, we had it back in our day. Eric Bristow got booed in Scotland because he used to upset Jocky Wilson a few times. That’s just the way it is.

“But Eric loved it and that’s what you’ve got to do. Peter Manley was another one — he used to get booed sometimes and just laugh it off.

“I think you’ve just got to laugh it off really, because if you start letting it get to you and the crowd knows you don’t like it, then you’re in trouble — because they’ll keep doing it.

“But if you just turn around and ignore it, then there’s no real issue. I’m not sure what the problem is in all this.”

Recent comments from darts legend Steve Beaton suggested Littler could even step away from the sport to pursue opportunities in gaming or become a YouTube star alongside friend Angry Ginge.

However, Deller firmly dismissed that idea, pointing to the huge earnings available in darts.

He added: “No — he’s going to earn too much money in the game. It’s only going to keep going up and up.

“And maybe people say that because he doesn’t practice much. I mean, he’s got enough time to play games with his mate Angry Ginge.

“But a true reflection might be — how long will he carry on? Because he could be worth £15million or even £20million in five years.

“Will the incentive still be there? Will the hunger still be there? I don’t know — I just hope so.”

Deller also suggested that some of the negativity directed at Littler may stem from jealousy among fans.

“I think there’s always a bit of jealousy,” he said. “Luke’s now a multi-millionaire.

“People might look at him and think, ‘Oh, look at him now’. But you’ve got to remember — Luke Littler has done so much for our sport.

“How many youngsters are taking up the game now? Viewing figures are going through the roof. Companies are getting involved. Arenas are selling out — and that’s largely because of Luke Littler.”

He also pointed to crowd behaviour in Europe, particularly in Germany, where whistling has become common.

“In Germany there’s a lot of whistling going on — and he doesn’t like it. He’s not too bothered about going there very often.

“I think the fans are the ones who will lose out. You don’t want constant whistling and booing — let the professionals show how good they are.

“But at the end of the day, people pay their money, and some might even have a bet on the match — so you’ve just got to get on with it.”

Ultimately, Deller believes Littler has the mindset to rise above the criticism and continue winning at the highest level.

“I just think Luke Littler knows that if people keep booing him — who cares? He’s still going to go on and win major titles.”