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

LUKE LITTLER has opened up about the brief exchange he had with Gerwyn Price and referee Huw Ware after the Welshman’s controversial celebration during their Premier League Darts semi-final.

The flashpoint came during the 15th leg of Thursday night’s clash when Price produced his trademark “Big Fish” celebration after scoring 170 with three darts — rather than completing a 170 checkout.

In darts, players are expected to avoid any actions that could distract an opponent while they are at the oche, and Price’s reeling-in gesture caught Littler’s attention as he prepared to throw.

The teenage star was clearly unhappy and immediately voiced his concerns to referee Ware.

Before the next leg got underway, Ware spoke with Price about the incident. The pair then shared a brief conversation and a hug on stage, seemingly putting the matter to rest after Price explained his side of the story.

However, Price later repeated the celebration from the back of the stage after firing in a 180.

Despite the controversy, the former world champion completed a remarkable comeback from 9-4 down to edge out Littler 10-9. He then went on to claim the Premier League title and the £350,000 winner’s prize by defeating Luke Humphries 11-10 in a thrilling final.

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. I just said there’s 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 the upper hand against Price in the Premier League format, winning all nine of their meetings before Thursday’s encounter.

Although tensions briefly flared during Price’s comeback, the pair appeared to leave the stage on good terms.

The dramatic turnaround also reminded both players of their meeting in Dublin earlier this year, when Littler overturned a 5-0 deficit by winning six consecutive legs to snatch a 6-5 victory.

Reflecting on their conversation after the match, Littler revealed: “I mean he obviously said ‘well done’.

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

“It was ticking through my brain as well as his because, yeah 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.”