Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation, left Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle bemused with a bizarre, childlike request for a referee’s intervention during his Premier League Darts quarterfinal match against Stephen Bunting in Sheffield on May 22, 2025. As reported by GB News on May 23, 2025, Littler, in a moment of frustration, turned to referee Michael Bates during a 6-1 rout of Bunting and jokingly asked him to “tell the crowd to shut up.” The request came as the raucous Sheffield crowd, energized by Littler’s dominant performance, including a 127 checkout, disrupted his focus. Mardle, a former player turned pundit, reacted with amusement, saying, “He’s still a child at heart! You can’t ask the ref to quiet the crowd, Luke!”
A Moment of Youthful Exuberance
Littler’s lighthearted plea underscored his ability to engage with the lively Premier League atmosphere while maintaining his composure, a trait that has fueled his record-breaking 2025 campaign. The world champion went on to win his sixth nightly title in Sheffield, defeating Nathan Aspinall 6-4 in the semifinals and Luke Humphries 6-3 in the final, securing a historic 45-point haul, per BBC Sport. His performance featured a 114 average, eight 180s, and massive 155 and 170 checkouts, cementing his status as the top seed for the May 29 play-offs at London’s O2 Arena, where he faces Gerwyn Price.
Fan and Pundit Reactions
The moment drew laughs from fans on X, with @DartsNow_ posting, “Littler telling the ref to hush the crowd is peak teenager energy,” while @Oche180 called it “cheeky but iconic.” Mardle later praised Littler’s maturity despite the childish quip, noting on Sky Sports, “He’s handling the pressure better than anyone his age should.” Littler’s ability to blend youthful exuberance with ruthless precision—evidenced by his 75% checkout rate in Sheffield—has made him a fan favorite, though his request highlighted the challenges of managing rowdy crowds as he chases a second straight Premier League title.
