Luke Littler reveals cheeky comment from Gerwyn Price after match had to be stopped for apology at Premier League Darts

Luke Littler has revealed the conversation he shared with Gerwyn Price and referee Huw Ware after a controversial celebration during their Premier League Darts semi-final clash.

Price, 41, sparked debate on Thursday night when he performed his trademark “Big Fish” celebration after scoring 170 points — rather than completing a 170 checkout — during the 15th leg of the match.

In darts, players are expected to avoid distracting opponents while they are throwing, and Price’s reeling-in gesture caught Littler’s attention while the teenager was standing at the oche preparing his visit.

The world No.1 was clearly unimpressed and immediately voiced his concerns to referee Huw Ware.

Before the next leg began, Ware spoke with Price about the incident. The Welshman then exchanged a brief conversation and hug with Littler, appearing to clear the air.

Any lingering tension seemed to disappear after the exchange, with Littler accepting Price’s explanation. However, the former world champion repeated the celebration later in the match after hitting a maximum 180, this time from the back of the stage.

Despite Price’s spirited comeback from 9-4 down to level the match at 9-9, Littler held his nerve to edge a thrilling 10-9 victory. The 19-year-old then went on to defeat Luke Humphries 11-10 in the final to claim the £350,000 Premier League title.

Explaining the incident afterwards, Littler said: “Gez just thought he was out of my eyeline when he reeled the fish into the fans.

“I think I hit a 59. I just threw my darts.

“I just looked at Huw and said there was no need for that.

“Then Huw spoke to Gez and he said he didn’t realise, and then it was all good.”

Littler has enjoyed a dominant record against Price in this year’s Premier League, winning all nine of their meetings in the competition.

The dramatic semi-final also reminded both players of their memorable showdown in Dublin earlier this year. On that occasion, Littler recovered from 5-0 down to defeat Price 6-5 and claim the nightly title.

Reflecting on their post-match embrace at London’s O2 Arena, Littler revealed: “He obviously said ‘well done’.

“And then he said he was thinking about Dublin when he came back against me.

“It was ticking through my brain as well as his because every leg Gez kept winning, I was just like, ‘Don’t let it happen, Luke, don’t let it happen.’

“That’s what he said at the end.”