‘I still have the same opinion’ – Van Veen reveals whether he and Luke Littler could become friends after huge darts row

Dutch star says he has ‘no hard feelings’ but stands firm over world champion’s ‘childish’ behaviour as pair prepare to potentially meet again in Rotterdam

Gian van Veen has opened the door to a future friendship with Luke Littler — but made clear he is not backing down on his verdict of the world champion’s conduct that ignited the most explosive controversy in darts this year.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Premier League Night 11 in Rotterdam, the 23-year-old Dutchman gave his most considered response yet to two weeks of fallout from their fiery quarter-final clash in Manchester, insisting the matter does not need to be formally resolved on his part — while leaving space for the pair to eventually move on together.

Van Veen is ready to “bury the hatchet” with Littler after the spat but stands firm on his view of the world champion’s behaviour, which he called “childish”. Asked whether the pair needed to clear the air, he replied: “It’s a difficult one. Like for myself, not really. I still have the same view as I had two weeks ago when it all happened and if he wants to bury the hatchet then fine. I don’t have any hard feelings towards him and I don’t know how it is the other way around but we’ll see how it goes.”

Van Veen went further, making it plain that no amount of reflection has shifted his position. He said: “He’s got his opinion and he’s entitled to it. I still have mine, I still have the same opinion as I had two weeks ago, straight after the incident happened. I’ve looked back at it, I’ve seen the videos and I still stand by my opinion and you know, it is what it is and we’ll just have to go forward with it.”

But in the same breath, he answered the question on every darts fan’s lips. Asked directly whether they could be friends, Van Veen said: “For sure. Like I said, there’s no hard feeling from my side. It’s all happening in the heat of the moment and of course, you know, he’s got his opinion, I’ve got mine but yeah, that’s how it goes.”

The rift between the two players began on the night of April 2 at the AO Arena, when their Premier League quarter-final boiled over in its deciding leg. Van Veen appeared to take issue with Littler after he gesturing towards the crowd following his rival’s missed double 15, after which the Dutchman stared him down before stepping back to the oche. Littler subsequently missed his own match darts and Van Veen sealed the win — though not before Littler made a crying gesture at his opponent.

Van Veen gave his side in the immediate aftermath, saying: “I’m on 90, I miss double 15 on the inside, and then I see him celebrating towards the crowd. I don’t think that’s normal. He’s a fantastic darts player, but today he showed he’s not a good loser.”

Littler this week gave his own account, insisting the gesture was directed at his girlfriend Faith and her father and not at Van Veen at all. The world champion said he believes it is time for everyone to move on, adding: “I wouldn’t say the fallout, it is what it is, it is done. Obviously the fans in Brighton didn’t let it go — I let it go. I think everyone needs to forget about it now. Me and Gian haven’t spoken, but I am sure we will.”

The fallout had consequences on the oche. The following week in Brighton, Littler produced an average of just 83.94 — the poorest televised display of his career — falling 6-4 to Stephen Bunting, with darts pundit Wayne Mardle suggesting the previous week’s controversy had visibly taken its toll on the teenager.

Both players exited at the Brighton quarter-final stage, meaning their standoff on stage has yet to be revisited competitively. That could change this Thursday. The rivalry could be renewed in the semi-finals in Rotterdam, where Van Veen would have home advantage — though he must first beat Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals to set up that clash, with Littler opening against Gerwyn Price.

Van Veen also offered a broader reflection on whether needle between players is good for the sport. He said he enjoys on-stage rivalry — “but only if I’m not involved.” It was a remark that drew a laugh, but it underlines something genuine: the pair have produced some of the most gripping darts of the Premier League season, and their rivalry is now the competition’s defining storyline heading into the final weeks.

Rotterdam on Thursday night has just become unmissable.