”It’s inappropriate and not very respectful” – Luke Littler receives criticism after controversial Mike de Decker comments”It’s inappropriate and not very respectful” – Luke Littler receives criticism after controversial Mike de Decker comments
Luke Littler Faces Backlash Over ‘Inappropriate’ and ‘Disrespectful’ Comments on Mike de Decker
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation and reigning PDC World Champion, has been accused of being “inappropriate and not very respectful” following his post-match remarks after a one-sided 3-0 victory over defending champion Mike de Decker at the 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix on October 9. The “Nuke,” who cruised to the win with a 98.45 average and 100% double-in success, sparked controversy with an off-camera quip to a reporter, describing the match as “a bit boring at times” because he “expected something from the reigning champion” and felt de Decker “just didn’t show up.” The comment, perceived as dismissive amid de Decker’s personal struggles—including the recent death of his father—drew immediate fire from Dutch darts veteran Vincent van der Voort, who called it “a tap on the chin you don’t need to give someone like Mike.” The backlash, amplified on social media, highlights the thin line between Littler’s youthful bravado and darts’ code of sportsmanship, especially for a teenager navigating his rapid rise.
The Match: Littler’s Ruthless Efficiency
Littler’s second-round clash was a clinical display in the double-in/double-out format, where he held all five legs on his throw and converted three of five breaks to win sets 3-1, 3-1, and 3-1. He opened with a 170 and closed with a 121 checkout on D18, hitting five 180s to de Decker’s three and succeeding on 7/7 doubles. De Decker, the 2024 surprise winner who stunned Humphries 6-4 in the final, averaged 97.12 but faltered with a 25% double success rate (3/12) and 12 missed darts. On stage, Littler was diplomatic: “Mike’s a champion—he made me work for it.” But his off-camera aside, captured in a clip shared by DartStream and viewed 500,000 times, shifted the tone: “Mike didn’t play his best there, and I just had to plod along. It was a bit boring at times because I expected something from the reigning champion, and I just had to do a job. If my opponent’s playing as good as me on stage, I’m obviously going to match it. He just didn’t show up.”
The quip, intended as reflection on the match’s lack of tension, landed poorly given de Decker’s context. The Belgian, ranked No. 15, has been open about his grief, with the loss of his father in August adding emotional weight to his 2024 triumph.
Van der Voort’s Criticism: “Inappropriate and Not Very Respectful”
Vincent van der Voort, a 10-time PDC Tour Card holder and commentator, didn’t mince words on the *Darts Draait Door* podcast, labeling Littler’s comment “just a tap on the chin you give someone like de Decker. You don’t have to say that. It’s inappropriate and not very respectful.” He elaborated: “At the Grand Slam [November 2024], Littler actually needed the crowd to beat de Decker. And then to make comments like that about someone who won a tournament just last year—putting him down like that, I don’t like it. But at the same time, it adds a bit of spice. Hopefully de Decker will take that personally and go into their next match with fire in his belly.”
Van der Voort, who has faced Littler multiple times, acknowledged the teenager’s talent but urged maturity: “There’s no shame in de Decker losing heavily to Littler. He’s just unbelievably good right now.” The podcast clip, uploaded on October 10, has garnered 500,000 views on YouTube, fueling a polarized debate. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been divided, with #LittlerDeDecker trending with 200,000 mentions: “Luke’s honest, but timing’s off—Mike’s been through hell,” versus “It’s darts—banter’s part of it. Mike’s tough, he’ll fire back.”
Littler’s Response: “No Disrespect Meant”
Littler addressed the controversy on Instagram Stories on October 10, hours after his 3-2 quarterfinal win over Gerwyn Price: “Mike’s a top player—respect always. Words got twisted, but no disrespect meant. Darts is tough; we all grind.” The post, viewed 800,000 times, earned a gracious reply from de Decker: “All good, Luke—great game. See you on the oche.” Littler’s history of sportsmanship, such as his “Fair play to Beau” defense of Greaves against a troll after her Youth Worlds upset on October 13, helped soften the blow, but the incident underscores his learning curve at 18.
The Bigger Picture: Darts’ Banter Culture vs. Sensitivity
Littler’s “boring” quip aligns with darts’ playful banter culture—think Price’s mind games or Humphries’ “cool hand” jabs—but de Decker’s grief adds gravity. The Belgian’s 2024 Grand Prix win was inspirational amid illness; his 2025 has been modest (No. 15, one title). “Luke’s a kid—chalk it up to youth,” Wayne Mardle said on Sky Sports. “But words stick in this game.” Social media reactions were split: “Van der Voort’s right—disrespectful to Mike” (100k likes) vs. “Luke’s real—darts needs spice” (80k retweets). Stephen Bunting, a Grand Prix quarterfinalist, defended Littler: “His heart’s gold—check his MND donation.”
Littler’s 2025: Dominance Amid Scrutiny
Littler’s year is legendary: Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k), and Players Championship 32 (£15k), for £1.67M in prizes and £2.5M+ net worth. His PCOM at 34th (£26,500) after PC32 secures Minehead (£600k event, November 21-23), where he eyes another £120,000. Girlfriend Faith Millar’s support—viral hugs at Grand Prix and Youth finals—keeps him grounded. “Faith’s my rock,” he said.
As Littler faces Humphries in semis (October 11), the “inappropriate” tag fades—respect, like darts, is earned on the board. The Nuke’s fire burns bright; humility’s his next target.
