Luke Littler Faces Backlash Over ‘Inappropriate’ Post-Match Comments on Mike de Decker
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, has been accused of being “inappropriate and not very respectful” after his post-match remarks following a clinical 3-0 victory over defending champion Mike de Decker at the 2025 World Grand Prix on October 9 in Leicester. The “Nuke,” who advanced to the quarterfinals with a 98.45 average and flawless 100% double-in success, described the match as “a bit boring at times” in an off-camera interview, prompting sharp criticism from former PDC professional Vincent van der Voort. The Dutchman’s rebuke, aired on the Darts Draait Door podcast, has ignited debate about Littler’s growing confidence bordering on disrespect, especially toward de Decker, who was still grieving the recent loss of his father. Littler’s comments, though lighthearted in intent, have highlighted the fine line between banter and sensitivity in darts’ high-stakes environment.
The Match: Littler’s Routine Rout of de Decker
Littler’s second-round clash was a one-sided affair, with the teenager holding all five legs on his throw and converting three of five breaks in sets won 3-1, 3-1, 3-1. He opened with a 170 and closed with a 121 on D18, landing five 180s to de Decker’s three and succeeding on 100% of doubles (7/7). De Decker, the 2024 surprise winner who stunned Humphries 6-4 in the final, averaged 97.12 but struggled with a 25% double success rate, committing 12 misses. “Mike’s a champion—he made me work for it,” Littler said on stage, but off-camera, he quipped: “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 remarks, captured by a reporter and shared on social media, quickly drew backlash. De Decker, whose father passed away in August, has been battling through grief while maintaining form, reaching the Grand Slam of Darts semifinals in November 2024. Littler’s comments, though not malicious, landed poorly amid the Belgian’s personal struggles.
Van der Voort’s Criticism: “Inappropriate and Not Very Respectful”
Van der Voort, a 10-time PDC Tour Card holder and frequent commentator, didn’t mince words on the Darts Draait Door podcast, calling Littler’s quip “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, 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, viewed 500,000 times on YouTube within 24 hours, amplified the controversy, with #LittlerDeDecker trending on X with 200,000 mentions. Fans were divided: “Luke’s honest, but timing’s off—Mike’s been through hell,” versus “Banter’s banter—darts needs edge.”
Littler’s Response: “No Disrespect Meant”
Littler addressed the furor on Instagram Stories on October 10, hours after his quarterfinal win over Gerwyn Price (3-2): “Mike’s a top player—respect always. Words got twisted, but no disrespect meant. Darts is tough; we all grind.” The clarification, viewed 800,000 times, softened some criticism, with de Decker replying: “All good, Luke—great game. See you on the oche.” Littler’s past grace, like his “Fair play to Beau” shutdown of a troll after Greaves’ Youth Worlds upset, shows maturity, but the incident underscores his learning curve at 18.
The Bigger Picture: Darts’ Banter Culture vs. Sensitivity
Littler’s “boring” quip fits darts’ playful banter—think Price’s mind games or Humphries’ “cool hand” jabs—but de Decker’s context (father’s death in August) 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.”
Littler’s 2025 is stellar—Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k)—but moments like this humanize him. As he faces Humphries in semis (October 11), the “inappropriate” tag fades—respect, like darts, is earned on the board.
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————–|———|
| Luke Littler | 98.45 | 5 | 170 opener; 121 SF | Winner (3-0 sets) |
| Mike de Decker | 97.12 | 3 | 140 finish | Loser (0-3 sets) |
Reactions: A Divided Darts Community
Social media split under #LittlerDeDecker: “Van der Voort’s right—’boring’? Disrespectful” (100k likes) vs. “Luke’s honest—Mike didn’t show up” (80k retweets). Bunting, a Grand Prix quarterfinalist, defended: “Luke’s heart’s gold—check his MND donation.” As the Grand Prix rolls on, Littler’s response proves his colors: Unbreakable on the oche, humble off it. The Nuke’s learning—darts’ queen awaits.
