World Darts Champion Luke Littler, an avid Manchester United supporter, has unexpectedly thrown his support behind West Ham fans following their dramatic protest aimed at Graham Potter’s struggling squad during a 3-2 Premier League loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on April 26, 2025. The match at the Amex Stadium saw the Hammers squander a 2-1 lead with late goals in the 89th and 92nd minutes, prompting an outcry from supporters fed up with the team’s dismal season.
West Ham, languishing in 17th place with 16 losses in 2024-25, have won just three of 14 league matches under Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui earlier this season. The collapse against Brighton—where Jarrod Bowen assisted goals by Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek only for defensive lapses to gift Brighton the win—intensified fan discontent. Reports indicate West Ham fans unfurled banners and chanted slogans demanding change, with some targeting Potter’s tactics and the squad’s lack of fight. One banner reportedly read, “Potter Out, Passion In!” while fans voiced frustration over the team’s inability to hold leads, a recurring issue highlighted by captain Bowen: “It’s gutting. This isn’t the first time we’ve lost points from a winning position.”Littler, no stranger to engaging with football rivalries, took to social media to react, liking a post on X that praised the fans’ fervor and commenting, “Fair play to the Hammers lot, they’re not wrong to call it out.” His endorsement surprised some, given his United allegiance, but it aligns with his history of cheekily weighing in on rival clubs’ struggles, like taunting Liverpool fans over their 2024 Merseyside derby loss. []
The Brighton defeat came days after West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug publicly criticized teammates for “lacking commitment” in a 1-1 draw against Southampton, further exposing tensions within Potter’s squad. Littler’s reaction has sparked debate, with some fans applauding his boldness and others accusing him of stirring the pot. On X, one user wrote, “Littler’s at it again, loving the chaos!” while another countered, “Stick to darts, mate.”
As West Ham face mounting pressure to avoid relegation, Littler’s nod to the fans’ protest underscores the growing unrest at the London Stadium. With Potter’s job reportedly on the line, the Hammers’ next match against Newcastle could be pivotal.
