Nathan Aspinall Admits He Was ‘Too Respectful’ to Luke Littler Following ‘Fanboy’ Accusations
Nathan Aspinall has acknowledged he may have shown too much respect to Luke Littler during matches, responding to claims that some Premier League players are acting like “fanboys” around the 18-year-old darts sensation.
The comment came from Vincent van der Voort, who criticized players on the PDC circuit for being overly friendly with Littler. Speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort singled out Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, saying:
“Every little thing, they’re giving him fist bumps or smiles. Some players just show up and act like the perfect son-in-law, but that doesn’t bring much excitement. There are too many Littler fanboys right now.”
Aspinall responded during an appearance on talkSPORT, admitting:
“To be fair, they were right at the World Championship. I was a bit too respectful to him. I’ve got to remember that I’m there to win for myself.”
Littler had defeated Aspinall 5-2 in the quarter-finals of the 2025 PDC World Championship. Despite the result, Aspinall maintains admiration for the young champion, whom he’s known since Littler was 11 or 12.
“I’m genuinely happy for what he’s achieved. He’s a really nice kid—but I’ve just got to start beating him,” he added.
A Star Under Pressure
Littler has been in the spotlight since his breakthrough as a 16-year-old, sparking renewed interest in darts and attracting increased sponsorship and prize money. For example, the 2026 World Champion is expected to earn £1 million—double the amount Littler earned earlier this year.
Aspinall praised Littler for handling the pressure and attention that comes with his rapid rise, saying:
“I don’t think I could do what he’s had to go through. At 17 or 18, with all the media commitments and no media training like footballers get, he’s been thrown in the deep end. But he deserves the respect he’s getting.”
Growing Up Fast
Aspinall also noted that Littler, now 18, has grown personally and professionally over the past year.
“He used to just play darts and head back to his room to game on his PlayStation. Now, he’s joining the boys in the hotel bar, playing cards, and being more social.”
“He’ll have a couple of Dark Fruits. He’s a bit of a lightweight—but he’s only 18. Four pints and that’s him done,” Aspinall joked.
Despite the criticisms, it’s clear there’s mutual respect and friendship between Aspinall and Littler. But next time they meet on the oche, Aspinall might bring a little more edge—and a little less fanboy.
