Luke Littler’s Fiery Outburst: Darts Pro Blasts Fan for ‘Grabbing’ Him at Prague Hotel
Darts sensation Luke Littler, the 18-year-old world No. 2 and reigning PDC World Champion, didn’t hold back after a late-night run-in with an overzealous supporter outside his Prague hotel on September 5, 2025. Fresh off a red-eye flight for the Gambrinus Czech Darts Open (September 5-7, £30,000 prize), Littler arrived around 11:20 PM local time to a swarm of fans clamoring for photos. While he obliged several requests, the mood soured when one individual allegedly yanked him from behind—prompting Littler to unleash a pointed Instagram rant calling out the “bad behaviour.” The incident, which also involved verbal jabs at him and his dad, highlights the double-edged sword of Littler’s meteoric rise: adoration mixed with occasional boundary-crossing entitlement from the crowd.
The Clash: What Went Down
Littler, accompanied by his father Anthony Buckley (his constant tour companion), was navigating the hotel lobby amid the excitement when the grab occurred as he tried to head inside. In a lengthy Instagram Story post—accompanied by a photo of his minimalist hotel room—he detailed the frustration:
> “Just came to the hotel in Prague got a few pictures baring in mind it’s 20 past 11 here its busy so got a few pictures with a few people and as I’ve gone to walk off someone has grabbed me and wanted a picture, you don’t grab someone just ask nice how hard is it.”
He escalated on a second fan who approached aggressively:
> “And for the fella who came up to me and my dad shouting oi and then saying my behaviour is bad and I’m not bigger and better than anyone DO NOT GRAB ME FROM BEHIND because that’s bad behaviour not me because as soon as he’s grabbed I said do not grab me and walked away.”
Littler emphasized his willingness to engage—”I love meeting fans”—but drew a firm line at physical contact without consent, especially late at night after travel. No police were involved, and the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) hasn’t commented, but the episode echoes past fan oversteps, like a wrist-yank during his 2024 Premier League walk-on in Belfast that required security intervention.
Social Media Storm: Fans Split, But Support Pours In
Littler’s post, now deleted but screenshotted widely, ignited a firestorm on X (formerly Twitter). While some dismissed it as “fan entitlement,” the majority backed the teen prodigy, with hashtags like #RespectLuke trending in darts circles. Key reactions:
– **Pro-Littler Wave**: @DartsNews02 called it “furious after fan gets too hands on,” amplifying his plea for politeness. @Oche180 quoted his “bad behaviour” line verbatim, garnering 600+ views and nods like “Fans forget they’re not entitled to touch.” @MailSport’s thread on the “grabbed” accusation hit 12K views, with replies like “Luke’s a kid—back off!”
– **Critics and Context**: A minority sniped at Littler’s “attitude,” tying it to prior boos in Germany (e.g., World Cup hostility). @IrishSunSport’s coverage framed it as “slams darts fan,” sparking debates on celebrity boundaries.
Darts media like Sportbible and Daily Mail piled on, with headlines screaming “Explodes at Fan” and framing it as a wake-up call for overzealous supporters. Fellow pros stayed mum publicly, but insiders whisper it’s a growing issue for young stars like Littler amid his 2025 dominance (wins at World Matchplay, Australian/NZ Masters, Flanders Trophy).
Tournament Tie-In: Littler Channels Frustration into Focus
Undeterred, Littler—as the No. 2 seed—kicked off the Czech Open with a bang on September 6, thrashing Cameron Menzies 6-1 in the second round despite complaining about the venue’s heat. He’s now eyeing a potential final vs. defending champ Luke Humphries, with £12,000 on the line. Post-match, he shrugged off the drama: “It fuels me—just ask nicely next time.” His form (Triple Crown holder: World Championship, Premier League, Matchplay) suggests the clash won’t derail him, but it spotlights the pressures of fame at 18.
This isn’t Littler’s first fan-fueled flashpoint—recall the Belfast grab or German jeers—but his response underscores maturity: Firm boundaries without alienating supporters. As he hunts world No. 1, expect more eyes on his off-ocher antics. For now, Prague’s fallout serves as a reminder: Even “The Nuke” has limits. 🎯
